[1] "Is not all human life a struggle? Our lives are like that of a hired hand, [2] like a worker who longs for the shade, like a servant waiting to be paid. [3] I, too, have been assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery. [4] Lying in bed, I think, 'When will it be morning?' But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn. [5] My body is covered with maggots and scabs. My skin breaks open, oozing with pus. [6] "My days fly faster than a weaver's shuttle. They end without hope. [7] O God, remember that my life is but a breath, and I will never again feel happiness. [8] You see me now, but not for long. You will look for me, but I will be gone. [9] Just as a cloud dissipates and vanishes, those who die will not come back. [10] They are gone forever from their home- never to be seen again. [11] "I cannot keep from speaking. I must express my anguish. My bitter soul must complain. [12] Am I a sea monster or a dragon that you must place me under guard? [13] I think, 'My bed will comfort me, and sleep will ease my misery,' [14] but then you shatter me with dreams and terrify me with visions. [15] I would rather be strangled- rather die than suffer like this. [16] I hate my life and don't want to go on living. Oh, leave me alone for my few remaining days. [17] "What are people, that you should make so much of us, that you should think of us so often? [18] For you examine us every morning and test us every moment. [19] Why won't you leave me alone, at least long enough for me to swallow! [20] If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity? Why make me your target? Am I a burden to you? [21] Why not just forgive my sin and take away my guilt? For soon I will lie down in the dust and die. When you look for me, I will be gone."
