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