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.
6
Man is 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.
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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.
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.”
