[1]My spirit is consumed, my days are extinct, the grave is ready for me.[2]Surely there are mockers with me, and mine eye abideth in their provocation.[3]Give now a pledge, be surety for me with Thyself; who else is there that will strike hands with me?[4]For Thou hast hid their heart fro understanding; therefore shalt Thou not exalt them.[5]He that denounceth his friends for the sake of flattery, even the eyes of his children shall fail.[6]He hath made me also a byword of the people; and I am become one in whose face they spit.[7]Mine eye also is dimmed by reason of vexation, and all my members are as a shadow.[8]Upright men are astonished at this, and the innocent stirreth up himself against the godless.[9]Yet the righteous holdeth on his way, and he that hath clean hands waxeth stronger and stronger.[10]But as for you all, do ye return, and come now; and I shall not find a wise man among you.[11]My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.[12]They change the night into day; the light is short because of darkness.[13]If I look fo nether-world as my house; if I have spread my couch in the darkness;[14]If I have said to corruption: 'Thou art my father', to the worm: 'Thou art my mother, and my sister';[15]Where then is my hope? And as for my hope, who shall see it?[16]They shall go down to the bars of the nether-world, when we are at rest together in the dust.