English Standard Version ESV
New Revised Standard NRS
1 I 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. ”
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I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."
2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.
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I was silent and still; I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse,
3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
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my heart became hot within me. While 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!
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"Lord, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 Behold, 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
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You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight. Surely everyone stands as a mere breath. (Selah)
6 Surely 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!
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Surely everyone goes about like a shadow. Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; they heap up, and do not know who will gather.
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
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"And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
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Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool.
9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
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I am silent; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
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Remove your stroke from me; I am worn down by the blows of your hand.
11 When 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
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"You chastise mortals in punishment for sin, consuming like a moth what is dear to them; surely everyone 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.
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"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; do not hold your peace at my tears. For I am your passing guest, an alien, like all my forebears.
13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more! ”
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Turn your gaze away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more."
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025