7For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease. 8Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock die in the ground; 9Yet when it senses water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. 10But man dies, and wastes away; yea, man expires, and where is he? 11As the waters evaporate from the sea, and the river drains and dries up: 12So man lies down, and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

13O that You would hide me in the grave, that You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, that You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change will come. 15 Then You shall call, and I will answer You; You will have a desire for me, the work of Your hands. 16But for now, You number my steps. Do You not take note of my sin? 17My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You hide my iniquity from Your view.

18And as a mountain crumbles and comes to nothing in falling, and as the rock is moved out of its place. 19The waters erode away the stones; You wash away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth, and in the same way, You destroy the hope of man. 20 You prevail forever against him, and he passes away; You change his appearance, and send him away. 21His sons come to honor him, and he knows it not; and they are brought low, but he is not aware of them. 22But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.