1I thought, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth bridled, while the wicked is in my sight.
2I was dumb and spake nothing: I kept silence even from good, and my sorrow was more stirred.
3Mine heart was hot within me, and while I was musing, the fire kindled, and I spake with my tongue, saying,
4Lord, let me know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: let me know how long I have to live.
5Behold, thou hast made my days as an hand breadth, and mine age as nothing in respect of thee: surely every man in his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6Doubtless man walketh in a shadow, and disquieteth himself in vain: he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.
7And now Lord, what wait I for? mine hope is even in thee.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions, and make me not a rebuke unto the foolish.
9I should have been dumb, and not have opened my mouth, because thou didst it.
10Take thy plague away from me: for I am consumed by the stroke of thine hand.
11When thou with rebukes dost chastise man for iniquity, thou as a moth makest his beauty to consume: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12Hear my prayer, O Lord, and hearken unto my cry: keep not silence at my tears, for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers.
13Stay thine anger from me, that I may recover my strength, before I go hence and be not.