The Fleeting Nature of Life

For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm.

1I said, “I will guard my ways

so that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle

as long as the wicked are in my presence.”a

2I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.b

3My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.c

I spoke with my tongue:

4“LORD, reveal to me the end of my life

and the number of my days.

Let me know how short-lived I am.d

5You, indeed, have made my days short in length,

and my life span as nothing in Your sight.

Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor.e•Selah

6“Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them.f

7Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in You.g

8Deliver me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools.h

9I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what You have done.i

10Remove Your torment from me;

I fade away because of the force of Your hand.j

11You discipline a man with punishment for sin,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him;k

every man is only a vapor.lSelah

12“Hear my prayer, LORD,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears.m

For I am a foreigner residing with You,

a temporary resident like all my fathers.n

13Turn Your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.”o