What Is the Measure of My Days?
To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1
I said, "I will 1guard my ways, that I 2may not sin with my tongue; I will 3guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence."
2
I was 4mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.
3
My 5heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4
"O LORD, 6make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!
5
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and 7my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely 8all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6
Surely a man 9goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothinga they are in turmoil; man 10heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7
"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? 11My hope is in you.
8
Deliver me from all my transgressions. 12Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
10
15Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11
When you discipline a man with 16rebukes for sin, you 17consume like a 18moth what is dear to him; 19surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)