[1] My spirit is broken, my days extinguished, the grave, mine. [2] Surely mockers are with me, and my eye looks on their rebellion. [3] Take my guarantee. Who else is willing to make an agreement? [4] You’ve closed their mind to insight; therefore, you won’t be exalted. [5] He denounces his friends for gain, and his children’s eyes fail. [6] He makes me a popular proverb; I’m like spit in people’s faces. [7] My eye is weak from grief; my limbs like a shadow—all of them. [8] Those who do the right thing are amazed at this; the guiltless become troubled about the godless. [9] The innocent clings to his way; the one whose hands are clean grows stronger. [10] But you can bring all of them again, and I won’t find a wise one among you. [11] My days have passed; my goals are destroyed, my heart’s desires. [12] They turn night into day; light is near because of the darkness. [13] If I hope for the underworld as my dwelling, lay out my bed in darkness, [14] I’ve called corruption “my father,” the worm, “my mother and sister.” [15] Where then is my hope? My hope—who can see it? [16] Will they go down with me to the underworld; will we descend together to the dust?
