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v1
I said, “I will guard my ways that I may not sin ^[Literally “from sinning”] with my tongue. I will keep a muzzle over my mouth as long as the wicked are before me.”
v2
I was mute with silence. I was silent even from saying good things, and my pain was stirred up.
v3
My heart grew hot inside me; in my sighing a fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue,
v4
“Let me know, O Yahweh, my end, and what is the measure of my days. Let me know how transient I am.”
v5
Look, you have made my days mere handbreadths, and my lifespan as nothing next to you. Surely every person standing firm is complete vanity. Selah
v6
Surely a man walks about as a mere shadow; ^[Literally “image”] surely in vain they bustle about. He heaps up possessions but does not know who will gather them in.
v7
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is for you.
v8
From all my transgressions deliver me; do not make me the taunt of the fool.
v9
I am mute. I do not open my mouth, for you, yourself, have done it.
v10
Remove from me your affliction. By the opposition of your hand I perish.
v11
When with rebukes you chastise a man for sin, you ^[Hebrew “and/then you”] consume ^[Literally “cause to melt”] like a moth his delightful things. Surely everyone is a mere vapor. ^[The word translated “vanity” in vv. 6, 7] Selah
v12
Hear my prayer, O Yahweh, and listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my tears. For I am an alien ^[Or “stranger”] with you, a sojourner like all my ancestors. ^[Or “fathers”]
v13
Look away from me that I may be cheerful, before I depart and I am no more.