1. “Man who is born of womanIs of few days and full of trouble.
2. He comes forth like a flower and fades away;He flees like a shadow and does not continue.
3. And do You open Your eyes on such a one,And bring me to judgment with Yourself?
4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?No one!
5. Since his days are determined,The number of his months is with You;You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.
6. Look away from him that he may rest,Till like a hired man he finishes his day.
7. “For there is hope for a tree,If it is cut down, that it will sprout again,And that its tender shoots will not cease.
8. Though its root may grow old in the earth,And its stump may die in the ground,
9. Yet at the scent of water it will budAnd bring forth branches like a plant.
10. But man dies and is laid away;Indeed he breathes his lastAnd where is he?
11. As water disappears from the sea,And a river becomes parched and dries up,
12. So man lies down and does not rise.Till the heavens are no more,They will not awakeNor be roused from their sleep.
13. “Oh, that You would hide me in the grave,That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past,That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me!
14. If a man dies, shall he live again?All the days of my hard service I will wait,Till my change comes.
15. You shall call, and I will answer You;You shall desire the work of Your hands.