8. Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stump dies in the ground,
9. at the scent of water it buds and brings forth foliage like a plant.
10. But man dies and is powerless, and man expires, and where is he?
11. Water disappears from the sea, and a river dries up and is parched,
12. and man shall lie down and not rise. Till the heavens are no more, they awake not, nor are aroused from their sleep.
13. If only You would hide me in the grave, conceal me until Your wrath turns away. Set me a time, and remember me!
14. If a man dies, would he live again? All the days of my struggle I wait, till my change comes.
15. You would call, and I would answer You. You have yearned for the work of Your hands.
16. For now You count my steps – do You not watch over my sin?
17. My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You cover over my crookedness.
18. But a falling mountain crumbles away, and a rock is moved from its place,
19. as water wears away stones, its out-pouring washes away the soil of the earth – so You have destroyed the expectancy of man.