1 I perish, carried away by the wind,

And I seek for burial, and obtain it not.

2 Weary I entreat; and what have I done?

And strangers have stolen my goods.

3 Who is this? let him join hands with me.

4 For thou hast hidden their heart from wisdom;

Therefore thou shalt not exalt them.

5 He shall promise mischief to his companions:

But their eyes have failed for their children.

6 But thou hast made me a byword among the nations,

And I am become a scorn to them.

7 For my eyes are dimmed through pain;

I have been grievously beset by all.

8 Wonder has seized true men upon this;

And let the just rise up against the transgressor.

9 But let the faithful hold on his own way,

And let him that is pure of hands take courage.

10 Howbeit, do ye all strengthen yourselves and come now,

For I do not find truth in you.

11 My days have passed in groaning,

And my heartstrings are broken.

12 I have turned the night into day:

The light is short because of darkness.

13 For if I remain, Hades is my habitation:

And my bed has been made in darkness.

14 I have called upon death to be my father,

And corruption to be my mother and sister.

15 Where then is yet my hope?

Or where shall I see my good?

16 Will they go down with me to Hades,

Or shall we go down together to the tomb?