[1] "My spirit is consumed, my days are extinct, And the grave is ready
for me. [2] Surely there are mockers with me, My eye dwells on their
provocation. [3] "Now give a pledge, be collateral for me with yourself.
Who is there who will strike hands with me? [4] For you have hidden their
heart from understanding, Therefore shall you not exalt them. [5] He who
denounces his friends for a prey, Even the eyes of his children shall
fail. [6] "But he has made me a byword of the people. They spit in my
face. [7] My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow. All my members are as
a shadow. [8] Upright men shall be astonished at this. The innocent
shall stir up himself against the godless. [9] Yet shall the righteous hold
on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.
[10] But as for you all, come on now again; I shall not find a wise man
among you. [11] My days are past, my plans are broken off, As are the
thoughts of my heart. [12] They change the night into day, Saying `The
light is near` in the presence of darkness. [13] If I look for Sheol as my
house, If I have spread my couch in the darkness, [14] If I have said to
corruption, `You are my father;` To the worm, `My mother,` and `my
sister;` [15] Where then is my hope? As for my hope, who shall see it?
[16] Shall it go down with me to the gates of Sheol, Or descend together
into the dust?"
