1 I said, “I will guard my waysso that I may not sin with my tongue;I will guard my mouth with a muzzleas long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2 I was speechless and quiet;I kept silent, even from speaking good,and my pain intensified.
3 My heart grew hot within me;as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Lord, reveal to me the end of my lifeand the number of my days.Let me know how short-lived I am.
5 You, indeed, have made my days short in length,and my life span as nothing in Your sight.Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Selah
6 “Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,gathering possessionswithout knowing who will get them.
7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for?My hope is in You.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions;do not make me the taunt of fools.
9 I am speechless; I do not open my mouthbecause of what You have done.
10 Remove Your torment from me;I fade away because of the force of Your hand.
11 You discipline a man with punishment for sin,consuming like a moth what is precious to him; every man is only a vapor. Selah
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,and listen to my cry for help;do not be silent at my tears. For I am a foreigner residing with You,a temporary resident like all my fathers.
13 Turn Your angry gaze from meso that I may be cheered upbefore I die and am gone.”