[001] My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me.
[002] Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?
[003] Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?
[004] For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.
[005] He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
[006] He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.
[007] Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.
[008] Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.
[009] The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
[010] But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.
[011] My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
[012] They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.
[013] If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
[014] I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
[015] And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
[016] They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust.