[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] My 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.”