10. I said, In the middle of my daysI must depart;I am consigned to the gates of Sheolfor the rest of my years.
11. I said, I shall not see the Lord,the Lord in the land of the living;I shall look on man no moreamong the inhabitants of the world.
12. My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent; like a weaver I have rolled up my life; he cuts me off from the loom; from day to night you bring me to an end;
13. I calmed myself until morning;like a lion he breaks all my bones;from day to night you bring me to an end.
14. Like a swallow or a crane I chirp; I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward.O Lord, I am oppressed; be my pledge of safety!
15. What shall I say? For he has spoken to me,and he himself has done it. I walk slowly all my yearsbecause of the bitterness of my soul.
16. O Lord, by these things men live,and in all these is the life of my spirit.Oh restore me to health and make me live!
17. Behold, it was for my welfarethat I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my lifefrom the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sinsbehind your back.
18. For Sheol does not thank you;death does not praise you;those who go down to the pit do not hopefor your faithfulness.
19. The living, the living, he thanks you,as I do this day; the father makes known to the childrenyour faithfulness.