1I said, “I will watch my waysand keep my tongue from sin;I will put a muzzle on my mouthwhile in the presence of the wicked.”
2So I remained utterly silent,not even saying anything good.But my anguish increased;
3my heart grew hot within me.While I meditated, the fire burned;then I spoke with my tongue:
4“Show me, Lord, my life’s endand the number of my days;let me know how fleeting my life is.
5You have made my days a mere handbreadth;the span of my years is as nothing before you.Everyone is but a breath,even those who seem secure.
6“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;in vain they rush about, heaping up wealthwithout knowing whose it will finally be.
7“But now, Lord, what do I look for?My hope is in you.
8Save me from all my transgressions;do not make me the scorn of fools.
9I was silent; I would not open my mouth,for you are the one who has done this.
10Remove your scourge from me;I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,you consume their wealth like a moth—surely everyone is but a breath.
12“Hear my prayer, Lord,listen to my cry for help;do not be deaf to my weeping.I dwell with you as a foreigner,a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13Look away from me, that I may enjoy life againbefore I depart and am no more.”