Why did I not die from the womb? Why did I not give up the spirit when my mother bore me?

Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breast, that I should suck?

Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul,

[Why is light given] to a man whose way is hid, and whom God has hedged in?

If I have sinned, what do I do to thee, O thou watcher of men? Why have thou set me as a mark for thee, so that I am a burden to myself?

And why do thou not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity? For now I shall lay down in the dust, and thou will seek me diligently, but I shall not be.

I shall be condemned. Why then do I labor in vain?

I will say to God, Do not condemn me. Show me why thou contend with me.

Why then have thou brought me forth out of the womb? I would have given up the spirit, and no eye had seen me.

Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?

Why do thou hide thy face, and reckon me for thine enemy?

Why does thy heart carry thee away? And why do thine eyes flash,

Why are we counted as beasts, [and] have become unclean in your sight?

Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should I not be impatient?

Why do the wicked live, become old, yea, grow mighty in power?

Why are times not laid up by the Almighty? And why do those who know him not see his days?

Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it. Why then have ye become altogether vain?

Why do thou strive against him because he does not give of any of his matters?