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What Is the Measure of My Days?

To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1I said, “I will guard my ways,

that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,

so long as the wicked are in my presence.”

2I was mute and silent;

I held my peace to no avail,

and my distress grew worse.

3My heart became hot within me.

As I mused, the fire burned;

then I spoke with my tongue:

4“O Lord, make me know my end

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting I am!

5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,

and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah

6Surely a man goes about as a shadow!

Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;

man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

7“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?

My hope is in you.

8Deliver me from all my transgressions.

Do not make me the scorn of the fool!

9I am mute; I do not open my mouth,

for it is you who have done it.

10Remove your stroke from me;

I am spent by the hostility of your hand.

11When you discipline a man

with rebukes for sin,

you consume like a moth what is dear to him;

surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

12“Hear my prayer, O Lord,

and give ear to my cry;

hold not your peace at my tears!

For I am a sojourner with you,

a guest, like all my fathers.

13Look away from me, that I may smile again,

before I depart and am no more!”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2001 Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
English Standard Version, ESV, and the ESV logo are registered trademarks of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. Click here to review ESV Full Copyright Notice and Permissions Information.

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