1I SAID, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue; I will keep the words of my mouth under control while the wicked is before me.

2I was dumb and sorrowful, I was wretched, I held myself aloof, even from good; and my sorrow was multiplied.

3My heart was hot within me; and my body was on fire; then spoke I with my tongue,

4LORD, show me mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know my destiny.

5Behold, thou hast given my days a limit; and mine age is as nothing before thee; verily all men stand as a mere breath.

6Because every man walks as an image, he disappears as a breath; he buries treasures and knows not who shall gather them.

7Henceforth, what is my hope except in thee, O LORD?

8Deliver thou me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the unjust.

9I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it.

10Remove thy scourges from me; I am stricken by the blow of thy hand.

11I am consumed by rebuke on account of my sins; thou dost chastise a man and dost remove his desires like stubble. Verily all men are like a breath.

12Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears; for I am a dweller with thee and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13O deliver me, that I may rest in peace before I pass away and be no more.