[1] I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.”
[2] But as I stood there in silence— not even speaking of good things— the turmoil within me grew worse.
[3] The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words:
[4] “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is.
[5] You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
[6] We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.
[7] And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.
[8] Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me.
[9] I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you.
[10] But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
[11] When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
[12] Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.
[13] Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.