1 Why is life so hard?Why do we suffer?
2 We are slaves in search of shade;we are labourers longingfor our wages.
3 God has made my days drag onand my nights miserable.
4 I pray for night to end,but it stretches outwhile I toss and turn.
5 My parched skin is coveredwith worms, dirt, and sores,
6 and my days are running outquicker than the threadof a fast-moving needle.
7 I beg you, God, don't forget!My life is just a breath,and trouble lies ahead.
8 I will vanish from sight,and no one, including you,will ever see me again.
9 I will disappear in the graveor vanish from sightlike a passing cloud.
10 Never will I return home;soon I will be forgotten.
11 And so, I cry out to youin agony and distress.
12 Am I the sea or a sea monster?Is that why you imprison me?
13 I go to bed, hoping for rest,
14 but you torture mewith terrible dreams.
15-16 I'd rather choke to deaththan live in this body.Leave me alone and let me die;my life has no meaning.
17 What makes you so concernedabout us humans?
18 Why do you test usfrom sunrise to sunset?
19 Won't you look awayjust long enoughfor me to swallow?
20 Why do you watch us so closely?What's it to you, if I sin?Why am I your targetand such a heavy burden?
21 Why do you refuse to forgive?Soon you won't find me,because I'll be dead.