The Vanity of Life.
1 I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth While the wicked are in my presence.”
2 I was mute and silent [before my enemies], I refrained even from good, And my distress grew worse.
3 My heart was hot within me. While I was musing the fire burned; Then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Lord, let me know my [life’s] end And [to appreciate] the extent of my days; Let me know how frail I am [how transient is my stay here].
5 “Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths, And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]! [Eccl 1:2] Selah.
6 “Surely every man walks around like a shadow [in a charade]; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; Each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them. [Eccl 2:18, 19; 1 Cor 7:31; James 4:14]
7 “And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope [my confident expectation] is in You.
8 “Save me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the scorn and reproach of the [self-righteous, arrogant] fool.
9 “I am mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who has done it.
10 “Remove Your plague from me; I am wasting away because of the conflict and opposition of Your hand.
11 “With rebukes You discipline man for sin; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]. Selah.
12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and listen to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am Your temporary guest, A sojourner like all my fathers.
13 “O look away from me, that I may smile and again know joy Before I depart and am no more.”