17
1 I perish, carried away by the wind, and I seek for burial, and obtain it not.
2 Weary I intreat; and what have I done? and strangers have stolen my goods.
3 Who is this? let him {Gr. be bound with my hand} join hands with me.
4 For thou hast hid their heart from wisdom; therefore thou shalt not exalt them.
5 He shall promise mischief to his companions: but their eyes have failed for their children.
6 But thou has made me a byword amoung the nations, and I am become a scorn to them.
7 For my eyes are dimmed through pain; I have been grievously beset by all.
8 Wonder has seized true men upon this; and let the just rise up against the transgressor.
9 But let the faithful hold on his own way, and let him that is pure of hands take courage.
10 Howbeit, do ye all strengthen yourselves and come now, for I do not find truth in you.
11 My days have passed in groaning, and my heart-strings are broken.
12 I have turned the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.
13 For if I remain, Hades is my habitation: and my bed has been made in darkness.
14 I have called upon death to be my father, and corruption to be my mother and sister.
15 Where then is yet my hope? or where shall I see my good?
16 Will they go down with me to Hades, or shall we go down together to the tomb?