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.