1 I said, I will look to my ways,lest with my tongue I sin:In sight of wicked men my mouthwith bridle I'll keep in.
2 With silence I as dumb became,I did myself restrainFrom speaking good; but then the moreincreased was my pain.
3 My heart within me waxed hot;and, while I musing was,The fire did burn; and from my tonguethese words I did let pass:
4 Mine end, and measure of my days,O Lord, unto me showWhat is the same; that I therebymy frailty well may know.
5 Lo, thou my days an handbreadth mad'st;mine age is in thine eyeAs nothing: sure each man at bestis wholly vanity.
6 Sure each man walks in a vain show;they vex themselves in vain:He heaps up wealth, and doth not knowto whom it shall pertain.
7 And now, O Lord, what wait I for?my hope is fix'd on thee.
8 Free me from all my trespasses,the fool's scorn make not me.
9 Dumb was I, op'ning not my mouth,because this work was thine.
10 Thy stroke take from me; by the blowof thine hand I do pine.
11 When with rebukes thou dost correctman for iniquity,Thou wastes his beauty like a moth:sure each man's vanity.
12 Attend my cry, Lord, at my tearsand pray'rs not silent be:I sojourn as my fathers all,and stranger am with thee.
13 O spare thou me, that I my strengthrecover may again,Before from hence I do depart,and here no more remain.