1. The life of a man on the earth is a battle, and his days are like the days of a hired hand.
2. Just as a servant desires the shade, and just as the hired hand looks forward to the end of his work,
3. so also have I had empty months and have counted my burdensome nights.
4. If I lie down to sleep, I will say, "When will I rise?" And next I will hope for the evening and will be filled with sorrows even until darkness.