Job 14:1-17 ▼

1 “ Man, born of a woman, is short of days and full of trouble.

2 Like a flower he comes forth and withers, and he flees like a shadow, and does not stand.

3 And upon this one do You open Your eyes; and bring me into judgment with You?

4 Who will bring clean from unclean? Not one!

5 Since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; his limits You have made, and he cannot pass over them.

6 Look away from him that he may rest, until he can enjoy his day like a hireling.

7 For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that again it will pass through, and its tender shoots will not cease.

8 Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the dirt,

9 from the scent of water it will sprout, and will make branches like a fresh planting.

10 And a man dies and is laid low; and a man expires, and where is he?

11 As waters disappear from the sea, and a river dries up and withers,

12 so a man lies down and does not arise; until the heavens are no more, they will not awaken and they will not be roused from their sleep.

13 Who will give that You would hide me in Sheol, that You would hide me until the turning back of Your anger, that You would set for me a limit, and then remember me!

14 If a man dies, will he live? All the days of my hardship, I will wait, until the coming of my change.

15 You will call, and I will answer You; You will desire the work of Your hands.

16 For now, You count my steps; You do not watch over my sin.

17 My transgression is sealed up in a bundle, and You plaster over my iniquity.