I said, “Now let me watch my ways

I said, “Now let me watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin. I’ll put a muzzle on my mouth while I’m with wicked men.”

When I was silent and kept still and firmly held my peace, Not speaking even what was good, this made my pain increase.

Because of this my heart grew hot; the fire burned strong indeed The more I mused upon it all. Then I began to plead:

“LORD, show me that my life will end— how many days I’ll see— And cause me, LORD, to understand how brief my life will be.

“O LORD, how short you make my days before I sink in death. My years are nothing in your sight; man’s life is but a breath.

“Like shadows people go about; they bustle to and fro. They heap up wealth, but do not know to whom their wealth will go.

“But now, what do I look for, LORD? My hope is set on you. From my transgressions rescue me lest fools in scorn pursue.

“I held my peace and would not speak, for you did this, I know. Remove your scourge from me; your hand has struck and laid me low.

“For you rebuke and punish men for their iniquity. You, like a moth, consume their wealth; each man is vanity.

“O LORD, please listen to my prayer and hear my cry for aid; Do not be deaf to the appeal which I with tears have made.

“For as your guest I stay a while. I’m like my fathers all— A stranger and a pilgrim here. Have mercy when I call.

“O turn away your eyes from me. Let me rejoice again Before I finally depart and here no more remain.”