1 »My spirit is broken. My days are extinguished. The grave is waiting for me.
2 »Mockers surrounded me. My eye dwells on their provocation.
3 »Please guarantee my bail. Who else will guarantee it with a handshake?
4 »You close their minds and hearts so that they cannot understand. That is why you will not honor them.
5 »Whoever turns in friends to get their property should have his children's eyesight fail.
6 »Now he has made me a laughingstock for many people. Now they spit in my face.
7 »My eyes are dim because of grief. My limbs are like a shadow.
8 »This shocks decent people. The innocent are against the godless people.
9 »Yet, the righteous person clings to his way, and the one with clean hands grows stronger.
10 »But now, you must come and try again! I will not find one wise man among you.
11 »My days are passing by. My plans are broken. My dreams are shattered.
12 »You say that night is day. Light has nearly become darkness.
13 »Should I look for the grave as my home and make my bed in the darkness?
14 »If I say to the pit: You are my father! And to the worm: You are my mother and sister!
15 »Where is my hope? Can you see any hope left in me?
16 »Will hope go down with me to the gates of the grave? Will my hope rest with me in the dust?«