For no one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from him.

I am not able to bear this entire people alone, because it is too heavy for me!

If you think, “These nations are more numerous than I – how can I dispossess them?”

Now yes, it is true that I am a guardian, but there is another guardian who is a closer relative than I am.

I loathe it; I do not want to live forever; leave me alone, for my days are a vapor!

Will you never look away from me, will you not let me alone long enough to swallow my spittle?

Are not my days few? Cease, then, and leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,

I will never declare that you three are in the right; until I die, I will not set aside my integrity!

Turn back from me, all you who behave wickedly, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping!

Do not remain far away from me, for trouble is near and I have no one to help me.

For my sins overwhelm me; like a heavy load, they are too much for me to bear.

O Lord, you do not withhold your compassion from me. May your loyal love and faithfulness continually protect me!

Do not reject me! Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me!

From the most remote place on earth I call out to you in my despair. Lead me up to an inaccessible rocky summit!

You cause those who know me to keep their distance; you make me an appalling sight to them. I am trapped and cannot get free.

Listen to my cry for help, for I am in serious trouble! Rescue me from those who chase me, for they are stronger than I am.

I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined to comprehend this” – but it was beyond my grasp.

“Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you must give them a warning from me.

Now they must put away their spiritual prostitution and the pillars of their kings far from me, and then I will live among them forever.

So now, Lord, kill me instead, because I would rather die than live!”