[1] "People have a hard task on earth, and their days are like those of a laborer. [2] They are like a slave wishing for the evening shadows, like a laborer waiting to be paid. [3] But I am given months that are empty, and nights of misery have been given to me. [4] When I lie down, I think, 'How long until I get up?' The night is long, and I toss until dawn. [5] My body is covered with worms and scabs, and my skin is broken and full of sores. [6] "My days go by faster than a weaver's tool, and they come to an end without hope. [7] Remember, God, that my life is only a breath. My eyes will never see happy times again. [8] Those who see me now will see me no more; you will look for me, but I will be gone. [9] As a cloud disappears and is gone, people go to the grave and never return. [10] They will never come back to their houses again, and their places will not know them anymore. [11] "So I will not stay quiet; I will speak out in the suffering of my spirit. I will complain because I am so unhappy. [12] I am not the sea or the sea monster. So why have you set a guard over me? [13] Sometimes I think my bed will comfort me or that my couch will stop my complaint. [14] Then you frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions. [15] My throat prefers to be choked; my bones welcome death. [16] I hate my life; I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone, because my days have no meaning. [17] "Why do you make people so important and give them so much attention? [18] You examine them every morning and test them every moment. [19] Will you never look away from me or leave me alone even long enough to swallow? [20] If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you watcher of humans? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a heavy load for you? [21] Why don't you pardon my wrongs and forgive my sins? I will soon lie down in the dust of death. Then you will search for me, but I will be no more."
