1. I AM the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.
2. He hath led me and caused me to walk in darkness and not in light.
3. Surely against me he turneth his hand again and again all the day.
4. My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.
5. He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.
6. He hath made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead.
7. He hath fenced me about, that I cannot go forth; he hath made my chain heavy.
8. Yea, when I cry and call for help, he shutteth out my prayer.
9. He hath fenced up my ways with hewn stone, he hath made my paths crooked.
10. He is unto me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in secret places.
11. He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces; he hath made me desolate.
12. He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.
13. He hath caused the shafts of his quiver to enter into my reins.
14. I am become a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.
15. He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath sated me with wormwood.
16. He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes.
17. And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace; I forgat prosperity.