[1] My spirit is broken; the days of my life are almost gone. The grave is waiting for me. [2] Those who laugh at me surround me; I watch them insult me. [3] "God, make me a promise. No one will make a pledge for me. [4] You have closed their minds to understanding. Do not let them win over me. [5] People might speak against their friends for money, but if they do, the eyes of their children go blind. [6] "God has made my name a curse word; people spit in my face. [7] My sight has grown weak because of my sadness, and my body is as thin as a shadow. [8] Honest people are upset about this; innocent people are upset with those who do wrong. [9] But those who do right will continue to do right, and those whose hands are not dirty with sin will grow stronger. [10] "But, all of you, come and try again! I do not find a wise person among you. [11] My days are gone, and my plans have been destroyed, along with the desires of my heart. [12] These men think night is day; when it is dark, they say, 'Light is near.' [13] If the only home I hope for is the grave, if I spread out my bed in darkness, [14] if I say to the grave, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'You are my mother' or 'You are my sister,' [15] where, then, is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? [16] Will hope go down to the gates of death? Will we go down together into the dust?"
