1 M y spirit hath been destroyed, My days extinguished -- graves for me.

2 I f not -- mockeries with me. And in their provocations mine eye lodgeth.

3 P lace, I pray Thee, my pledge with Thee; Who is he that striketh hand with me?

4 F or their heart Thou hast hidden From understanding, Therefore Thou dost not exalt them.

5 F or a portion he sheweth friendship, And the eyes of his sons are consumed.

6 A nd he set me up for a proverb of the peoples, And a wonder before them I am.

7 A nd dim from sorrow is mine eye, And my members as a shadow all of them.

8 A stonished are the upright at this, And the innocent against the profane Stirreth himself up.

9 A nd the righteous layeth hold his way, And the clean of hands addeth strength, And -- dumb are they all.

10 R eturn, and come in, I pray you, And I find not among you a wise man.

11 M y days have passed by, My devices have been broken off, The possessions of my heart!

12 N ight for day they appoint, Light near because of darkness.

13 I f I wait -- Sheol my house, In darkness I have spread out my couch.

14 T o corruption I have called: -- `Thou my father.' `My mother' and `my sister' -- to the worm.

15 A nd where now my hope? Yea, my hope, who doth behold it?

16 t he parts of Sheol ye go down, If together on the dust we may rest.