1 “Manwhoisborn of woman
# Is of few days andfull of trouble.
2 He comes forth like a flower and fades away;
He flees like a shadow and does not continue.
3 Anddo You open Your eyes on such a one,
# Andbring me to judgment with Yourself?
4 Whocan bring a cleanthingout of an unclean?
No one!
5 Since his daysaredetermined,
The number of his monthsiswith You;
You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.
6 Look away from him that he may rest,
# Tilllike 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 Yetat the scent of water it will bud
And bring forth branches like a plant.
10 But man dies and is laid away;
Indeed he breathes his last
# And whereishe?
11 Aswater disappears from the sea,
And a river becomes parched and dries up,
12 So man lies down and does not rise.
# Till the heavensareno more,
They will not awake
Nor 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 liveagain?
# All the days of my hard serviceI will wait,
Till my change comes.
15 You shall call, and I will answer You;
You shall desire the work of Your hands.
16 For nowYou number my steps,
But do not watch over my sin.
17 My transgressionissealed up in a bag,
And You cover my iniquity.
18 “Butasa mountain fallsandcrumbles away,
Andasa rock is moved from its place;
19 Aswater wears away stones,
Andastorrents wash away the soil of the earth;
So You destroy the hope of man.
20 You prevail forever against him, and he passes on;
You change his countenance and send him away.
21 His sons come to honor, andhe does not knowit;
They are brought low, and he does not perceiveit.
22 But his flesh will be in pain over it,
And his soul will mourn over it.”