1
I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.
2
He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.
3
Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day.
4
My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.
5
He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.
6
He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.
7
He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.
8
Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.
9
He hath inclosed my ways with hewn stone, he hath made my paths crooked.
10
He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places.
11
He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces: he hath made me desolate.
12
He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.
13
He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.
14
I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.
15
He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.
16
He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes.
17
And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.
18
And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:
19
Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20
My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
