2
They grow like flowers, and then they dry up. They are like shadows that quickly disappear.
3
"God, why do you keep looking at someone like me? Are you planning to take me to court?
4
Who can bring what is pure from something that isn't pure? No one!
5
You decide how long anyone will live. You have established the number of his months. You have set a limit to the number of his days.
6
So look away from him. Leave him alone. Let him put in his time like a hired worker.
7
"At least there is hope for a tree. If it's cut down, it will begin to grow again. New branches will appear on it.
8
Its roots may grow old in the ground. Its stump may die in the soil.
9
But when it smells water, it will begin to grow. It will send out new growth like a plant.
10
No man is like that. When he dies, he is buried in a grave. He takes his last breath. Then he is gone.
11
Water disappears from lakes. Riverbeds become empty and dry.
12
In the same way, a man lies down and never gets up. He won't wake up or rise from his sleep until the heavens are gone.