1 ¶ My spirit is broken, my days are spent, the grave is ready for me.

2 Surely mockers surround me, and I must continually see their insults?

3 Give me a pledge, put up security for me; who is there who will shake my hand on that?

4 For you have closed their heart to understanding: therefore you will not exalt them.

5 He who deceives his friends, blinds the eyes of his children.

6 But he has made me an object of scorn to the people; I have become a man they spit at.

7 My eye has grown dim because of sorrow, and my whole body is like a shadow.

8 Upright men are shocked at this, and the innocent stirs himself up against the godless.

9 Yet the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.

10 ¶ But as for all of you, please go away: for I cannot find a wise man among you.

11 My days are past, my plans are shattered, even those dear to my heart.

12 These thoughts go on from night to day: the day is short because of gloom.

13 If I wait, the grave will be my home: if I make my bed in darkness.

14 I have said to decay, You are my father: and to the worm, You are my mother, and my sister.

15 Where then is my hope? can anyone see any hope for me?

16 Will my hope go down to the prison of the grave, will we rest together in the dust.