[1] Job said, “Man has a hard struggle on earth. His life is like the life of a hired worker.
[2] Man is like a slave who wants the cool shade after hard work on a hot day. Man is like a hired worker waiting for payday.
[3] Month after frustrating month has gone by. I have had night after night of suffering.
[4] When I lie down, I think, 'How long before it’s time to get up?’ The night drags on. I toss and turn until the sun comes up.
[5] My body is clothed with worms and dirt. My skin is broken and covered with running sores.
[6] “My days go by faster than a weaver’s shuttle. And my life ends without hope.
[7] God, remember, my life is only a breath. I will never see anything good again.
[8] And you won’t see me again. You will look for me, but I will be gone.
[9] A cloud disappears and is gone. In the same way, a person dies and is buried in the grave and he won’t come back.
[10] He will never come back to his old house again. His home won’t know him any more.
[11] “So I won’t be quiet! I will speak out! My spirit is suffering! I will complain because my soul is bitter.
[12] God, why do you guard me? Am I the sea or a sea monster?
[13] My bed should bring me comfort. My couch should give me rest and relief.
[14] But God, ˻when I lie down˼ you scare me with dreams; you frighten me with visions.
[15] So I prefer to be choked to death than to live.
[16] I hate my life—I give up. I don’t want to live forever. Leave me alone! My life means nothing!
[17] God, why is man so important to you? Why should you honor him? Why do you even notice him?
[18] Why do you visit man every morning and test him every moment?
[19] God, you never look away from me. You won’t leave me alone for a second.
[20] God, you watch over people. If I have sinned, fine, what can I do? Why did you use me for target practice? Did I become a problem for you?
[21] Why don’t you just pardon me for doing wrong? Why don’t you just forgive me for my sins? Soon I will die and be in my grave. Then you will search for me, but I will be gone.”