Why was I not stillborn;
why didn’t I die as I came from the womb?

Why did the knees receive me,
and why were there breasts for me to nurse?

Or why was I not hidden like a miscarried child,
like infants who never see daylight?

Why is light given to one burdened with grief,
and life to those whose existence is bitter,

Why is life given to a man whose path is hidden,
whom God has hedged in?

For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas!
That is why my words are rash.

If I have sinned, what have I done to You,
Watcher of mankind?
Why have You made me Your target,
so that I have become a burden to You?

Why not forgive my sin
and pardon my transgression?
For soon I will lie down in the grave.
You will eagerly seek me, but I will be gone.

Since I will be found guilty,
why should I labor in vain?

I will say to God:
“Do not declare me guilty!
Let me know why You prosecute me.

“Why did You bring me out of the womb?
I should have died and never been seen.

Why do I put myself at risk
and take my life in my own hands?

Why do You hide Your face
and consider me Your enemy?

Why has your heart misled you,
and why do your eyes flash

Why are we regarded as cattle,
as stupid in your sight?

Why do you persecute me as God does?
Will you never get enough of my flesh?

This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer,
because I am upset!

As for me, is my complaint against a man?
Then why shouldn’t I be impatient?

Why do the wicked continue to live,
growing old and becoming powerful?

Why does the Almighty not reserve times for judgment?
Why do those who know Him never see His days?

All of you have seen this for yourselves,
why do you keep up this empty talk?

Why do you take Him to court
for not answering anything a person asks?

Be careful that you do not turn to iniquity,
for that is why you have been tested by affliction.