10. This is because it allowed me to be born.That day did not hide trouble from my eyes.
11. “Why didn’t I die as soon as I was born?Why didn’t I die when I came out of the womb?
12. Why did my mother’s knees receive me?Why did my mother’s breasts feed me?
13. If they had not been there, I would be lying dead in peace.I would be asleep and at rest.
14. I would be asleep with kings and wise men of the earth.They built places for themselves that are now ruined.
15. I would be asleep with rulers who had gold.They filled their houses with silver!
16. Or why was I not buried like a child born dead?I wish I were like a baby who never saw the light of day.
17. In the grave the wicked stop causing trouble.And people who are tired are at rest.
18. In the grave there is rest for the captives.They no longer hear the shout of the slave driver.
19. People great and small are in the grave.And the slave is freed from his master.
20. “Why is life given to those who are in misery?Why is it given to those who are so unhappy?