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New International Version (NIV) |
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1 My spirit is broken, my days are ended, the last resting-place is ready for me.
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1 My spirit is broken, my days are cut short, the grave awaits me.
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2 Truly, those who make sport of me are round about me, and my eyes become dark because of their bitter laughing.
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2 Surely mockers surround me; my eyes must dwell on their hostility.
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3 Be pleased, now, to be responsible for me to yourself; for there is no other who will put his hand in mine.
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3 "Give me, O God, the pledge you demand. Who else will put up security for me?
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4 You have kept their hearts from wisdom: for this cause you will not give them honour.
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4 You have closed their minds to understanding; therefore you will not let them triumph.
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5 As for him who is false to his friend for a reward, light will be cut off from the eyes of his children.
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5 If a man denounces his friends for reward, the eyes of his children will fail.
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6 He has made me a word of shame to the peoples; I have become a mark for their sport.
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6 "God has made me a byword to everyone, a man in whose face people spit.
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7 My eyes have become dark because of my pain, and all my body is wasted to a shade.
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7 My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow.
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8 The upright are surprised at this, and he who has done no wrong is troubled because of the evil-doers.
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8 Upright men are appalled at this; the innocent are aroused against the ungodly.
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9 Still the upright keeps on his way, and he who has clean hands gets new strength.
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9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.
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10 But come back, now, all of you, come; and I will not see a wise man among you.
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10 "But come on, all of you, try again! I will not find a wise man among you.
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11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the desires of my heart.
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11 My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart.
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12 They are changing night into day; they say, The light is near the dark.
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12 These men turn night into day; in the face of darkness they say, 'Light is near.'
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13 If I am waiting for the underworld as my house, if I have made my bed in the dark;
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13 If the only home I hope for is the grave, if I spread out my bed in darkness,
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14 If I say to the earth, You are my father; and to the worm, My mother and my sister;
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14 if I say to corruption, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'My mother' or 'My sister,'
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15 Where then is my hope? and who will see my desire?
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15 where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?
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16 Will they go down with me into the underworld? Will we go down together into the dust?
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16 Will it go down to the gates of death ? Will we descend together into the dust?"
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| The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain. (The Bible in Basic English Version Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
