The Fleeting Nature of Life
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
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.”
2I was speechless and quiet;
I kept silent, even from speaking good,
and my pain intensified.
3My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, a fire burned.
I spoke with my tongue:
4“Lord, make me aware of my end
and the number of my days
so that I will know how short-lived I am.
5In fact, you have made my days just inches long,
and my life span is as nothing to you.
Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor. Selah
6Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they rush around in vain,
gathering possessions
without knowing who will get them.
7“Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you.
8Rescue me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the taunt of fools.
9I am speechless; I do not open my mouth
because of what you have done.
10Remove your torment from me.
Because of the force of your hand I am finished.
11You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity,
consuming like a moth what is precious to him;
yes, every human being is only a vapor. Selah
12“Hear my prayer, Lord,
and listen to my cry for help;
do not be silent at my tears.
For I am here with you as an alien,
a temporary resident like all my ancestors.
13Turn your angry gaze from me
so that I may be cheered up
before I die and am gone.”