1. I said, I will look to my ways,lest with my tongue I sin:In sight of wicked men my mouthwith bridle I'll keep in.
2. With silence I as dumb became,I did myself restrainFrom speaking good; but then the moreincreased was my pain.
3. My heart within me waxed hot;and, while I musing was,The fire did burn; and from my tonguethese words I did let pass:
4. Mine end, and measure of my days,O Lord, unto me showWhat is the same; that I therebymy frailty well may know.
5. Lo, thou my days an handbreadth mad'st;mine age is in thine eyeAs nothing: sure each man at bestis wholly vanity.
6. Sure each man walks in a vain show;they vex themselves in vain:He heaps up wealth, and doth not knowto whom it shall pertain.
7. And now, O Lord, what wait I for?my hope is fix'd on thee.
8. Free me from all my trespasses,the fool's scorn make not me.
9. Dumb was I, op'ning not my mouth,because this work was thine.
10. Thy stroke take from me; by the blowof thine hand I do pine.
11. When with rebukes thou dost correctman for iniquity,Thou wastes his beauty like a moth:sure each man's vanity.
12. Attend my cry, Lord, at my tearsand pray'rs not silent be:I sojourn as my fathers all,and stranger am with thee.
13. O spare thou me, that I my strengthrecover may again,Before from hence I do depart,and here no more remain.