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7 <1> "People have a hard struggle on earth.
Their life is like that of a hired worker.
<2> They are like a slave looking for cool shade,
or a hired worker waiting for payday.
<3> Month after frustrating month has gone by.
I have suffered night after night.
<4> When I lie down, I think,
'How long before it's time to get up?'
The night drags on.
I toss and turn until the sun comes up.
<5> My skin is covered with worms and caked with dirt.
It is cracked and covered with sores.
<6> "My days pass by faster than a weaver's shuttle,[20]
and my life will end without hope.
<7> God, remember, my life is like a breath.
I will not get a second chance to enjoy it.
<8> Those who see me now will never see me again.
You watch me for a while, but then I am gone.
<9> Just as clouds that come and go,
people are put in the grave, never to rise again.
<10> They don't come back to their old homes.
The people there wouldn't recognize them.
<11> "So I will not be quiet!
I will let my suffering spirit speak!
I will let my bitter soul complain!
<12> Am I one of your enemies?
Is that why you put a guard over me?[21]
<13> My bed should bring me comfort.
My couch should give me rest and relief.
<14> But when I lie down you scare me with dreams,
you frighten with visions.[22]
<15> So I would rather be choked to death
than to live like this.
<16> I hate my life-I give up.
I don't want to live forever.
Leave me alone!
My life means nothing!
<17> God, why are people so important to you?
Why do you even notice them?
<18> Why do you visit them every morning
and test them at every moment?
<19> You never look away from me
or leave me alone for a second.
<20> You watch over people.
If I have sinned,
what could I do to you?
Why did you use me for target practice?
Did I become a problem for you?
<21> Why don't you just pardon me for doing wrong?
Why don't you just forgive me for my sins?
Soon I will die and be in my grave.
Then you will search for me, but I will be gone."
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.