1. I said, “I will guard my ways

1. That I may not sin with my tongue;

1. I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle

1. While the wicked are in my presence.”

2. I was mute and silent,

2. I refrained even from good,

2. And my sorrow grew worse.

3. My heart was hot within me,

3. While I was musing the fire burned;

3. Then I spoke with my tongue:

4. “Lord, make me to know my end

4. And what is the extent of my days;

4. Let me know how transient I am.

5. Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,

5. And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;

5. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.

6. Surely every man walks about as a phantom;

6. Surely they make an uproar for nothing;

6. He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.

7. “And now, Lord, for what do I wait?

7. My hope is in You.

8. Deliver me from all my transgressions;

8. Make me not the reproach of the foolish.

9. I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,

9. Because it is You who have done it.

10. Remove Your plague from me;

10. Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing.

11. With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity;

11. You consume as a moth what is precious to him;

11. Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah.

12. “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry;

12. Do not be silent at my tears;

12. For I am a stranger with You,

12. A sojourner like all my fathers.

13. Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again

13. Before I depart and am no more.”