³ For my days pass away like smoke,
    and my bones burn like a furnace.^(C)
4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass;
    I am too wasted to eat my bread.^(D)
5 Because of my loud groaning,
    my bones cling to my skin.^(E)
6 I am like a desert owl^[a] of the wilderness,
    like a little owl of the waste places.^(F)
7 I lie awake;
    I am like a lonely bird on the housetop.^(G)
8 All day long my enemies taunt me;
    those who deride me use my name for a curse.^(H)
9 Indeed, I eat ashes like bread
    and mingle tears with my drink,^(I)
10 because of your indignation and anger,
    for you have lifted me up and thrown me aside.
¹¹ My days are like a lengthening shadow;
    I wither away like grass.^(J)

¹² But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;
    your name endures to all generations.^(K)

²⁵ Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.^(A)
26 They will perish, but you endure;
    they will all wear out like a garment.
You change them like clothing, and they pass away,^(B)
27     but you are the same, and your years have no end.^(C)
28 The children of your servants shall live secure;
    their offspring shall be established in your presence.^(D)