1 M y soul hath been weary of my life, I leave off my talking to myself, I speak in the bitterness of my soul.

2 I say unto God, `Do not condemn me, Let me know why Thou dost strive me.

3 I s it good for Thee that Thou dost oppress? That Thou despisest the labour of Thy hands, And on the counsel of the wicked hast shone?

4 E yes of flesh hast Thou? As man seeth -- seest Thou?

5 A s the days of man Thy days? Thy years as the days of a man?

6 T hat Thou inquirest for mine iniquity, And for my sin seekest?

7 F or Thou knowest that I am not wicked, And there is no deliverer from Thy hand.

8 T hy hands have taken pains about me, And they make me together round about, And Thou swallowest me up!

9 R emember, I pray Thee, That as clay Thou hast made me, And unto dust Thou dost bring me back.

10 D ost Thou not as milk pour me out? And as cheese curdle me?

11 S kin and flesh Thou dost put on me, And with bones and sinews dost fence me.

12 L ife and kindness Thou hast done with me. And Thy inspection hath preserved my spirit.

13 A nd these Thou hast laid up in Thy heart, I have known that this with Thee.

14 I f I sinned, then Thou hast observed me, And from mine iniquity dost not acquit me,

15 I f I have done wickedly -- wo to me, And righteously -- I lift not up my head, Full of shame -- then see my affliction,

16 A nd it riseth -- as a lion Thou huntest me. And Thou turnest back -- Thou shewest Thyself wonderful in me.

17 T hou renewest Thy witnesses against me, And dost multiply Thine anger with me, Changes and warfare with me.

18 A nd why from the womb Hast Thou brought me forth? I expire, and the eye doth not see me.

19 A s I had not been, I am, From the belly to the grave I am brought,

20 A re not my days few? Cease then, and put from me, And I brighten up a little,

21 B efore I go, and return not, Unto a land of darkness and death-shade,

22 A land of obscurity as thick darkness, Death-shade -- and no order, And the shining as thick darkness.'