9. Yet shall the righteous (those upright and in right standing with God) hold to their ways, and he who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger. [Ps. 24:4.]
10. But as for you, come on again, all of you, though I find not a wise man among you.
11. My days are past, my purposes and plans are frustrated; even the thoughts (desires and possessions) of my heart [are broken off].
12. These [thoughts] extend from the night into the day, [so that] the light is short because of darkness.
13. But if I look to Sheol (the unseen state) as my abode, if I spread my couch in the darkness,
14. If I say to the grave and corruption, You are my father, and to the worm [that feeds on decay], You are my mother and my sister [because I will soon be closest to you],
15. Where then is my hope? And if I have hope, who will see [its fulfillment]?
16. [My hope] shall go down to the bars of Sheol (the unseen state) when once there is rest in the dust.