¹⁶ I despise my life;^(A) I would not live forever.^(B)
    Let me alone;^(C) my days have no meaning.^(D)

¹⁷ “What is mankind that you make so much of them,
    that you give them so much attention,^(E)
18 that you examine them every morning^(F)
    and test them^(G) every moment?^(H)
19 Will you never look away from me,^(I)
    or let me alone even for an instant?^(J)
20 If I have sinned, what have I done to you,^(K)
    you who see everything we do?
Why have you made me your target?^(L)
    Have I become a burden to you?^[a](M)
21 Why do you not pardon my offenses
    and forgive my sins?^(N)
For I will soon lie down in the dust;^(O)
    you will search for me, but I will be no more.”^(P)