13. If all of that hadn't happened, I would be lying down in peace. I'd be asleep and at rest in the grave.
14. I'd be with the earth's kings and advisers. They had built for themselves places that are now destroyed.
15. I'd be with rulers who used to have gold. They had filled their houses with silver.
16. Why wasn't I buried like a baby who was born dead? Why wasn't I buried like a child who never saw the light of day?
17. In the grave, sinful people don't cause trouble anymore. And there those who are tired find rest.
18. Prisoners also enjoy peace there. They don't hear a slave driver shouting at them anymore.
19. The least important and most important people are there. And there the slaves are set free from their owners.
20. "Why is the light that leads to life given to those who suffer? Why is it given to those whose spirits are bitter?
21. Why is life given to those who long for death that doesn't come? Why is it given to those who would rather search for death than for hidden treasure?
22. Why is life given to those who are actually happy and glad when they reach the grave?
23. Why is life given to a man like me? God hasn't told me what will happen to me. He has surrounded me with nothing but trouble.
24. I sigh instead of eating food. Groans pour out of me like water.