For my sighing comes in place of my food, and my groanings flow forth like water.

For the very thing I dreaded has happened to me, and what I feared has come upon me.

But now the same thing comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are terrified.

For wrath kills the foolish person, and anger slays the silly one.

but people are born to trouble, as surely as the sparks fly upward.

For he wounds, but he also bandages; he strikes, but his hands also heal.

You will be protected from malicious gossip, and will not be afraid of the destruction when it comes.

And you will know that your home will be secure, and when you inspect your domains, you will not be missing anything.

You will also know that your children will be numerous, and your descendants like the grass of the earth.

For now you have become like these streams that are no help; you see a terror, and are afraid.

Am I the sea, or the creature of the deep, that you must put me under guard?

If I say, “My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint,”

“What is mankind that you make so much of them, and that you pay attention to them?

“For inquire now of the former generation, and pay attention to the findings of their ancestors;

“How much less, then, can I answer him and choose my words to argue with him!

If I summoned him, and he answered me, I would not believe that he would be listening to my voice –

He does not allow me to recover my breath, for he fills me with bitterness.

I dread all my sufferings, for I know that you do not hold me blameless.

For he is not a human being like I am, that I might answer him, that we might come together in judgment.

Then would I speak and not fear him, but it is not so with me.