8. Its roots may grow old in the ground. Its stump may die in the soil.
9. But when it smells water, it will begin to grow. It will send out new growth like a plant.
10. No man is like that. When he dies, he is buried in a grave. He takes his last breath. Then he is gone.
11. Water disappears from lakes. Riverbeds become empty and dry.
12. In the same way, a man lies down and never gets up. He won't wake up or rise from his sleep until the heavens are gone.
13. "I wish you would hide me in a grave! I wish you would cover me up until your anger passes by! I wish you would set the time for me to spend in the grave and then bring me back up!
14. If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard work I will wait for the time when you give me new life.
15. You will call out to me, and I will answer you. Your hands created me. So you will long for me.
16. Then you will count every step I take. But you won't keep track of my sin.