1My breath is corrupt: my days are cut off, and the grave is ready for me.
2There are none but mockers with me, and mine eye continueth in their bitterness.
3Lay down now, and put me in surety for thee: who is he, that will touch mine hand?
4For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not set them up on high.
5For the eyes of his children shall fail, that speaketh flattery to his friends.
6He hath also made me a byword of the people, and I am as a tabret before them.
7Mine eye therefore is dim for grief, and all my strength is like a shadow.
8The righteous shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall be moved against the hypocrite.
9But the righteous will hold his way, and he whose hands are pure, shall increase his strength.
10All you therefore turn you, and come now, and I shall not find one wise among you.
11My days are past, mine enterprises are broken, and the thoughts of mine heart
12Have changed the night for the day, and the light that approached, for darkness.
13Though I hope, yet the grave shall be mine house, and I shall make my bed in the dark.
14I shall say to corruption, Thou art my father, and to the worm, Thou art my mother and my sister.
15Where is then now mine hope? or who shall consider the thing that I hoped for?
16They shall go down into the bottom of the pit: surely it shall lie together in the dust.