The Fleeting Nature of Life

¹I said, ‘I will guard my ways

so that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle

as long as the wicked are in my presence.’

²I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.

³My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.

I spoke with my tongue:

⁴‘Lord , make me aware of my end

and the number of my days

so that I will know how short-lived I am.

⁵In fact, you have made my days just handbreadths long,

and my lifespan is as nothing to you.

Yes, every human being stands as only a vapour. Selah

⁶Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them.

⁷‘Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you.

⁸Rescue me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools.

⁹I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what you have done.

¹⁰Remove your torment from me.

Because of the force of your hand I am finished.

¹¹You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him;

yes, every human being is only a vapour. Selah

¹²‘Hear my prayer, Lord ,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears.

For I am here with you as a foreigner,

a temporary resident like all my ancestors.

¹³Turn your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.’