| 2 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will muzzle my mouth in front of the wicked.” | |
| 3 So I did. But as I kept silent, their happiness made my anguish grow. | |
| 4 My heart began to burn within, and finally, I blurted out: | |
| 5 “Lord, let me know when my end will come, let me know the number of my days; show me how frail and fleeting is my life.” | |
| 6 You allow me to live but a short span; before you, all my years are nothing. Human existence is a mere whiff of breath. | |
| 7 Humans are mere shadows that go about relentlessly. Being but a breath they toil and rake in wealth, not knowing who will take it next. | |
| 8 But now, O Lord, what do I await? All my hope rests in you. | |
| 9 Rescue me from all my sins and let me not be derided by fools. | |
| 10 I shall keep silent and not open my mouth, since this is your work. | |
| 11 Only remove from me your scourge; for I am done in with your blows. | |
| 12 When you want to correct the mortals and punish their sin, you eat like moth what they hold dear. Mortals are a mere puff of wind! | |
| 13 Hear, O Lord, my supplication, listen to my cry for protection; do not be deaf to my lamentation. For I dwell with you as an alien, a pilgrim, as all my ancestors have been. | |
| 14 Turn from me awhile, that I may find relief, before I depart and be no more.” | |
