He grows up like a flower and then withers away; he flees like a shadow, and does not remain.

“Surely now you count my steps; then you would not mark my sin.

Your own mouth condemns you, not I; your own lips testify against you.

to whom alone the land was given when no foreigner passed among them.

For the years that lie ahead are few, and then I will go on the way of no return.

Surely mockery is with me; my eyes must dwell on their hostility.

Because you have closed their minds to understanding, therefore you will not exalt them.

“Yes, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; his flame of fire does not shine.

These ten times you have been reproaching me; you are not ashamed to attack me!

“If I cry out, ‘Violence!’ I receive no answer; I cry for help, but there is no justice.

He has blocked my way so I cannot pass, and has set darkness over my paths.

I summon my servant, but he does not respond, even though I implore him with my own mouth.

Why do you pursue me like God does? Will you never be satiated with my flesh?

Like a dream he flies away, never again to be found, and like a vision of the night he is put to flight.

if he retains it for himself and does not let it go, and holds it fast in his mouth,

For he has oppressed the poor and abandoned them; he has seized a house which he did not build.

“Nothing is left for him to devour; that is why his prosperity does not last.

Is my complaint against a man? If so, why should I not be impatient?

Their houses are safe and without fear; and no rod of punishment from God is upon them.

So they say to God, ‘Turn away from us! We do not want to know your ways.