1 My spirit is broken,
my days are cut short,
the grave awaits me. |
2 Surely mockers surround me;
my eyes must dwell on their hostility. |
3 "Give me, O God, the pledge you demand.
Who else will put up security for me? |
4 You have closed their minds to understanding;
therefore you will not let them triumph. |
5 If a man denounces his friends for reward,
the eyes of his children will fail. |
6 "God has made me a byword to everyone,
a man in whose face people spit. |
7 My eyes have grown dim with grief;
my whole frame is but a shadow. |
8 Upright men are appalled at this;
the innocent are aroused against the ungodly. |
9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways,
and those with clean hands will grow stronger. |
10 "But come on, all of you, try again!
I will not find a wise man among you. |
11 My days have passed, my plans are shattered,
and so are the desires of my heart. |
12 These men turn night into day;
in the face of darkness they say, 'Light is near.' |
13 If the only home I hope for is the grave,1 17:13 Hebrew Sheol
if I spread out my bed in darkness, |
14 if I say to corruption, 'You are my father,'
and to the worm, 'My mother' or 'My sister,' |
15 where then is my hope?
Who can see any hope for me? |
16 Will it go down to the gates of death2 17:16 Hebrew Sheol ?
Will we descend together into the dust?" |
