1 "Men have harsh servitude on earth, do they not? His days are like those of a hired laborer, are they not?
2 I'm like a servant who longs for the shade, like a hired laborer who is looking for his wages.
3 Truly I've been allotted months of emptiness; nights of trouble have been appointed for me.
4 "When I lie down I ask, "When will I wake up?' But the night continues and I keep tossing and turning until dawn.
5 My skin is covered with worms and clods of dirt; my skin becomes rough and then breaks out afresh.
6 My days pass as swiftly as a hand-loom; they come to their conclusion without hope.
7 Remember that my life is a breath; my eyes won't go back to seeing good things.
8 The eyes of the one who sees me won't see me anymore; your eyes will look for me but I won't be around!
9 As a cloud fades away and vanishes, the one who descends to the afterlife doesn't return.
10 He doesn't return again to his house, and his place won't recognize him anymore."
11 "In addition, I won't keep my opinion to myself; I'll speak from my distressed spirit; I'll complain with my bitter soul.
12 Am I the sea, or a sea monster, that you keep watching me?
13 For I've said, "My bed will comfort me; my couch will ease my burdens while I complain.'
14 But then you scared me with dreams; you terrified me with visions.
15 I would rather die by strangulation than continue living.
16 I hate the thought of living forever! Leave me alone, because my days are pointless."
17 "What is a human being, that you make so much of him; that you set your affections on him,
18 visit him every morning, and test him continually?
19 Why won't you look away from me? Why don't you leave me alone so I can swallow my saliva?
20 So what if I sin? What have I done against you, you observer of humankind? Why have you made me your target? Why burden yourself with me?
21 Why haven't you pardoned my transgression and taken away my iniquity? Now I'm about to lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I won't be around!"