[1] "Man who is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. [2] He comes forth like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and does not continue. [3] Do You open Your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with You? [4] Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? There is no one. [5] Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with You; You have appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; [6] turn from him, that he may rest, until he, as a hired man, finishes his day. [7] "For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease. [8] Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground, [9] yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant. [10] But man dies and wastes away; yes, man gives up his breath, and where is he? [11] As the waters disappear from the sea, and the flood shrivels and dries up, [12] so man lies down and does not rise; until the heavens are no more, he will not awake, nor be raised out of his sleep. [13] "Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, that You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, that You would appoint me a set time and remember me! [14] If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my service I will wait, until my relief comes. [15] You will call, and I will answer You; You will long for the work of Your hands. [16] For now You number my steps; do You not observe my sin? [17] My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You plaster over my iniquity. [18] "Surely the mountain falling comes to nothing, and the rock is removed out of its place. [19] The waters wear away the stones; its overflow washes away the dust of the earth; and You destroy the hope of man. [20] You prevail forever against him, and he passes on; changing his countenance, You send him away. [21] His sons come to honor, and he does not know it; and they are brought low, but he does not perceive it. [22] But his flesh on him will have pain, and his soul within him will mourn."
