[1] I said, "I will be careful about what I say. I will not let my tongue cause me to sin. I will keep my mouth closed when I am around wicked people." [2] So I didn't say anything. I didn't even say anything good, but I became even more upset. [3] I was very angry, and the more I thought about it, the angrier I became. So I said something. [4] LORD, tell me, what will happen to me now? Tell me, how long will I live? Let me know how short my life really is. [5] You gave me only a short life. Compared to you, my whole life is nothing. The life of every human is like a cloud that quickly disappears. Selah [6] Our life is like an image in a mirror. We rush through life collecting things, but we don't know who will get them after we die. [7] So, Lord, what hope do I have? You are my hope! [8] Save me from the bad things I did. Don't let me be treated like a fool. [9] I will not open my mouth. I will not say anything. You did what should have been done. [10] But please stop punishing me. You will destroy me if you do not stop. [11] You punish people for doing wrong to teach them the right way to live. As a moth destroys cloth, you destroy what people love. Yes, our lives are like a small cloud that quickly disappears. Selah [12] LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to the words I cry to you. Look at my tears. I am only a traveler passing through this life with you. Like all my ancestors, I will live here only a short time. [13] Leave me alone and let me be happy before I am dead and gone.
