¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,^(A)
    he remembers that we are dust.^(B)

³⁸ Yet he was merciful;^(A)
    he forgave^(B) their iniquities^(C)
    and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger^(D)
    and did not stir up his full wrath.
³⁹ He remembered that they were but flesh,^(E)
    a passing breeze^(F) that does not return.

⁹ Remember that you molded me like clay.^(A)
    Will you now turn me to dust again?^(B)

⁷ and the dust returns^(A) to the ground it came from,
    and the spirit returns to God^(B) who gave it.^(C)

¹⁹ By the sweat of your brow^(A)
    you will eat your food^(B)
until you return to the ground,
    since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
    and to dust you will return.”^(C)

⁴⁷ Remember how fleeting is my life.^(A)
    For what futility you have created all humanity!

²¹ Why do you not pardon my offenses
    and forgive my sins?^(A)
For I will soon lie down in the dust;^(B)
    you will search for me, but I will be no more.”^(C)

⁵ My body is clothed with worms^(A) and scabs,
    my skin is broken and festering.^(B)

⁶ “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,^(C)
    and they come to an end without hope.^(D)
7 Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;^(E)
    my eyes will never see happiness again.^(F)

¹⁶ You turn things upside down,
    as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!^(A)
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed^(B) it,
    “You did not make me”?
Can the pot say to the potter,^(C)
    “You know nothing”?^(D)