39

I said, “I will watch my ways
And keep my tongue from sin
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
While the presence of the wicked I’m in”

So I remained utterly silent
Not even saying a good word
But my anguish increased
My heart within me grew hot

While I meditated, the fire burned
Then I spoke with my tongue:
“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
And the number of my days till I’m gone

Let me know how fleeting my life is
You have made my days a mere handbreadth
The span of my years is as nothing before You
Even those who seem secure is nothing but a breath”

“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom
In vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
Without knowing whose it will finally be
Without knowing each other and even themselves”

“But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in You
Save me from all my transgressions
Do not make me the scorn of fools

I was silent; I would not open my mouth
For You are the one who all this made
Remove Your scourge from me
I am overcome by the blow of Your hand

When You rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin
You consume their wealth like a moth
You consume their wealth with Your mouth —
Surely everyone is but a breath


“Hear my prayer, Lord,
Listen to my cry for help
Do not be deaf to my weeping
Please don’t be deaf

I dwell with You as a foreigner
A stranger, as all my ancestors were
Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
Before I depart and am no more”