I said, I'll guard my ways, I'll not sin with my tongue, I will guard my mouth as
with a muzzle, When I'm before one who's hostile.
I was mute and still, refraining even from good, My pain stirred as I mused,
my heart burned.
Then I spoke with my tongue, Lord, make me know my end, And the measure of my
fleeting days, Behold, my days are a hand-breath, And my lifetime as nothing in
your sight.
Every man as he stands is a mere breath, Every man as he walks like a shadow,
Causing an uproar for nothing,
Hoarding riches when he knows not who will gather them, Now, Lord, for what shall I
seek?
All of my hope is in you, Lord, make me know my end, And the measure of my
fleeting days, Behold, my days are a hand-breath, And my lifetime as nothing in
your sight.
Save me from my sins and the taunting of fools, I shut my mouth because it was your
doing, Remove these strokes from your hand, You chasten a man for iniquity,
And consume as a moth what he holds dear, Surely every man is a mere breath,
Lord, make me know my end, And the measure of my fleeting days, Behold, my days are a
hand-breath, And my lifetime as nothing in your sight.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry, Be not silent at the tears of this
stranger, A foreigner like all my fathers.
Turn your gaze, that I may smile again, Before I go my way, and I am no more.
Lord, make me know my end, And the measure of my fleeting days, Behold, my days are a
hand-breath, And my lifetime as nothing in your sight.