1 I said: »I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue. I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle while the wicked are in my presence.«

2 I was silent and refrained from good. My sorrow grew worse.

3 My heart grew hot within me. A fire would kindle during my meditation. Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 »Jehovah, please make me to know my end. What is the extent of my days? Let me know how temporary fraildestitute I am.

5 »Indeed, you have made the length of my days very short. My life span is nothing compared to yours. Certainly, everyone alive is like a whisper in the wind.

6 »Every man walks about like a vain illusion. He makes a lot of noise over nothing. He hoards riches and does not know who will receive them.

7 »Jehovah, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.

8 »Deliver me from all my sin. Do not disgrace me in front of godless fools.

9 »I remained speechless. I did not open my mouth because you have done this.

10 »Remove the plague you laid upon me. My life is over because you apposed me with your hand.

11 »With stern reproof you discipline people for their iniquity. Like a moth you consume what is dear to them. Certainly, everyone is like a breath of air.

12 »Hear my prayer, O Jehovah. Open your ear listen to my cry for help. Do not be deaf to my tears, for I am a foreign resident with you, a stranger like all my fathers.

13 »Look away from me so that I may smile again before I go away and am no more.«