1 I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle While the wicked are in my presence.”

2 I was mute and silent, I refrained even from good, And my sorrow grew worse.

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

4 “ Lord, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.

5 “ Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.

6 “ Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.

7 “ And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.

8 “ Deliver me from all my transgressions; Make me not the reproach of the foolish.

9 “ I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who have done it.

10 “ Remove Your plague from me; Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing.

11 “ With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity; You consume as a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah.

12 “ Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner like all my fathers.

13 “ Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again Before I depart and am no more.”