7:1 Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery? Are not his days those of a hireling?
7:2 He is a slave who longs for the shade, a hireling who waits for his wages.
7:3 So I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been told off for me.
7:4 If in bed I say, "When shall I arise?" then the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness until the dawn.
7:5 My flesh is clothed with worms and scabs; my skin cracks and festers;
7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope.
7:7 Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again.
7:8 The eye that now sees me shall no more behold me; as you look at me, I shall be gone.
7:9 As a cloud dissolves and vanishes, so he who goes down to the nether world shall come up no more.
7:10 He shall not again return to his house; his place shall know him no more.
7:11 My own utterance I will not restrain; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
7:12 Am I the sea, or a monster of the deep, that you place a watch over me? Why have you set me up as an object of attack; or why should I be a target for you?
7:13 When I say, "My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint,"
7:14 Then you affright me with dreams and with visions terrify me,
7:15 So that I should prefer choking and death rather than my pains.
7:16 I waste away: I cannot live forever; let me alone, for my days are but a breath.
7:17 What is man, that you make much of him, or pay him any heed?
7:18 You observe him with each new day and try him at every moment!
7:19 How long will it be before you look away from me, and let me alone long enough to swallow my spittle?
7:20 Though I have sinned, what can I do to you, O watcher of men?
7:21 Why do you not pardon my offense, or take away my guilt? For soon I shall lie down in the dust; and should you seek me I shall then be gone.