1 ¶ Is there not an appointed time for man on earth? are not his days also like the days of a hired servant?

2 As a slave earnestly desires the shadow, and as a hired servant looks for the reward of his work:

3 So I am given months of futility, and miserable nights are appointed to me.

4 When I lie down, I ask, When will I arise, and the night be over? and I am tired of rolling and tossing until the dawning of the day.

5 My body is covered with worms and caked dust; my skin forms scabs, and then oozes.

6 My days go swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope.

7 ¶ O remember that my life is wind: my eye will never again see anything good.

8 The eye of him who sees me shall see me no more: you watch me now, but I will soon be gone.

9 As the cloud is consumed and vanishes: so we go down to the grave and do not come up again.

10 We do not return to our home, nor shall our house know us again.

11 Therefore I will not remain silent; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

12 Am I the sea, or a sea monster, that you set a watch over me?

13 When I say, My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint;

14 Then you frighten me with dreams, and terrify me with visions:

15 So that I would rather be strangled, and would prefer death to my suffering.

16 I loathe my life; I do not want to live forever: let me alone; for my days are just a breath.

17 ¶ What is man, that you should pay attention to him? or that you should be concerned about him?

18 And that you should visit him every morning, and try him every moment?

19 How long will it be until you look away from me, or let me alone long enough to swallow my spit?

20 If I have sinned; what harm have I done to you, O keeper of men? why have you made me your target, so that I am a burden to myself?

21 And why do you not forgive my wrong, and take away my sin? Soon I will sleep in the dust; and you will seek me in the morning, but I will be gone.