1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence." |
2 But when I was silent and still,
not even saying anything good,
my anguish increased. |
3 My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue: |
4 "Show me, O LORD , my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life. |
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah |
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. |
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you. |
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools. |
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this. |
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand. |
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
you consume their wealth like a moth-
each man is but a breath.
Selah |
12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD ,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were. |
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more." |
