Quotes About Reflection

I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.

What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him,

that You attend to him every morning, and test him every moment?

If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You?

Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:

“How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind.

Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers.

For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.

Though I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.

My days are swifter than a runner; they flee without seeing good.

“I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Are Your days like those of a mortal, or Your years like those of a man,

Please remember that You molded me like clay. Would You now return me to dust?

Did You not pour me out like milk, and curdle me like cheese?

Yet You concealed these things in Your heart, and I know that this was in Your mind:

Why then did You bring me from the womb? Oh, that I had died, and no eye had seen me!

If only I had never come to be, but had been carried from the womb to the grave.

Are my days not few? Withdraw from me, that I may have a little comfort,

and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.

Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you.

Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.

“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood.

If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!

Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.