1 “Man, born of woman! Of few days, and full of trouble! 2 As a flower he has gone out, and is cut off, || And he flees as a shadow and does not stand. 3 Also—on this You have opened Your eyes, and bring me into judgment with You. 4 Who gives a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one. 5 If his days are determined, || The number of his months are with You, || You have made his limit, || And he does not pass over; 6 Look away from off him that he may cease, || Until he enjoy as a hired worker his day. 7 For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, || That it changes again, || That its tender branch does not cease. 8 If its root becomes old in the earth, || And its stem dies in the dust, 9 From the fragrance of water it flourishes, || And has made a crop as a plant. 10 And a man dies, and becomes weak, || And man breathes his last, and where is he? 11 Waters have gone away from a sea, || And a river becomes waste and dry. 12 And man has lain down, and does not rise, || Until the wearing out of the heavens they do not awaken, || Nor are roused from their sleep. 13 O that You would conceal me in Sheol, || Hide me until the turning of Your anger, || Set a limit for me, and remember me. 14 If a man dies—does he revive? All the days of my warfare I wait, until my change comes. 15 You call, and I answer You; To the work of Your hands You have desire. 16 But now, You number my steps, || You do not watch over my sin. 17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You sew up my iniquity. 18 And yet, a falling mountain wastes away, and a rock is removed from its place. 19 Waters have worn away stones, || Their outpourings wash away the dust of earth, || And You have destroyed the hope of man. 20 You prevail over him forever, and he goes, || He is changing his face, || And You send him away. 21 His sons are honored, and he does not know; And they are little, and he does not attend to them. 22 Only—his flesh is pained for him, || And his soul mourns for him.”