I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.

"O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

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

Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah

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

Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.

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

When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!"

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

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

Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.