1 I said, “I will guard my ways

so that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle

as long as the wicked are in my presence.”ac

2 I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.a

3 My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.b

I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Lord, make me aware of my end

and the number of my days

so that I will know how short-lived I am.c

5 In fact, you have made my days just inches long,

and my life span is as nothing to you.

Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor.d

Selah