1 I said, I will take heed and guard my ways, that I may sin not with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth as with a bridle while the wicked are before me.

2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace without profit and had no comfort away from good, while my distress was renewed.

3 M y heart was hot within me. While I was musing, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

4 L ord, make me to know my end and the measure of my days—what it is; let me know and realize how frail I am.

5 B ehold, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Truly every man at his best is merely a breath! Selah!

6 S urely every man walks to and fro—like a shadow in a pantomime; surely for futility and emptiness he is in turmoil; each one heaps up riches, not knowing who will gather them.

7 A nd now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You.

8 D eliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the scorn and reproach of the fool!

9 I am dumb, I open not my mouth, for it is You Who has done it.

10 R emove Your stroke away from me; I am consumed by the conflict and the blow of Your hand.

11 W hen with rebukes You correct and chasten man for sin, You waste his beauty like a moth and what is dear to him consumes away; surely every man is a mere breath. Selah!

12 H ear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not Your peace at my tears! For I am Your passing guest, a temporary resident, as all my fathers were.

13 O look away from me and spare me, that I may recover cheerfulness and encouraging strength and know gladness before I go and am no more!