[1] I promised, "I'll be careful on life's journey not to sin with my words; I'll seal my lips when wicked people are around." [2] I kept my mouth shut; I had nothing to say-not even anything good- which came to grieve me more and more. [3] I felt my heart become hot inside me as I thought on these things; a fire ignited and burned. Then I said, [4] "Eternal One, let me understand my end and how brief my earthly existence is; help me realize my life is fleeting. [5] You have determined the length of my days, and my life is nothing compared to You. Even the longest life is only a breath." [pause] [6] In truth, each of us journeys through life like a shadow. We busy ourselves accomplishing nothing, piling up assets we can never keep; We can't even know who will end up with those things. [7] In light of all this, Lord, what am I really waiting for? You are my hope. [8] Keep me from all the wrong I would do; don't let the foolish laugh at me. [9] I am quiet; I keep my mouth closed because this has come from You. [10] Take Your curse from me; I can't endure Your punishment. [11] You discipline us for our sins. Like a moth, You consume everything we treasure; it's evident we are merely a breath. [pause] [12] Hear me, O Eternal One; listen to my pleading, and don't ignore my tears Because I am estranged from You- a wanderer like my fathers before me. [13] Look away from me so I might have a chance to recover my joy and smile again before I lay this life down and am no more.
