6 So look away from him. Leave him alone. Let him put in his time like a hired worker.
7 "At least there is hope for a tree. If it's cut down, it will begin to grow again. New branches will appear on it.
8 Its roots may grow old in the ground. Its stump may die in the soil.
9 But when it smells water, it will begin to grow. It will send out new growth like a plant.
10 No man is like that. When he dies, he is buried in a grave. He takes his last breath. Then he is gone.
11 Water disappears from lakes. Riverbeds become empty and dry.
12 In the same way, a man lies down and never gets up. He won't wake up or rise from his sleep until the heavens are gone.