1 I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."

2 I was silent and still; I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse,

3 my heart became hot within me. While I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "LORD, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

5 You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight. Surely everyone stands as a mere breath. Selah

6 Surely everyone goes about like a shadow. Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; they heap up, and do not know who will gather.

7 "And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool.

9 I am silent; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.

10 Remove your stroke from me; I am worn down by the blows of your hand.

11 "You chastise mortals in punishment for sin, consuming like a moth what is dear to them; surely everyone is a mere breath. Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not hold your peace at my tears. For I am your passing guest, an alien, like all my forebears.

13 Turn your gaze away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more."