What strength do I have, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
Are not my days few? Then cease! Leave me alone, so that I brighten up a little,
Would You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And would You pursue dry stubble?
And he, like that which is rotten, wastes away, as a garment that is moth-eaten.
“My spirit has been broken, my days have been extinguished, graves are for me.
If I wait – the grave is my house, I shall make my bed in darkness,
As for me, is my complaint against man? And why should I not be impatient?
“How have you helped the powerless, saved an arm not strong?
Is my strength the strength of stones? Is my flesh of bronze?
He has humbled my strength in the way; He has shortened my days.
“יהוה, let me know my end, And the measure of my days, what it is, Let me know how short-lived I am.
“See, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime is as non-existence before You; Only, all men standing, are all breath. Selah.