20 Why is light given to one burdened with grief,

and life to those whose existence is bitter,ac

21 who wait for death,ad but it does not come,

and search for it more than for hidden treasure,

22 who are filled with much joy

and are glad when they reach the grave?a

23 Why is life given to a man whose path is hidden,b

whom God has hedged in?

24 I sigh when foodc is put before me,A

and my groans pour out like water.d

25 For the thing I feared has overtaken me,

and what I dreaded has happened to me.e

26 I cannot relax or be calm;

I have no rest,f for turmoil has come.