New International Version NIV
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”
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<To the chief music-maker. Of Jeduthun. A Psalm. Of David.> I said, I will give attention to my ways, so that my tongue may do no wrong; I will keep my mouth under control, while the sinner is before me.
2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
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I made no sound, I said no word, even of good; and I was moved with sorrow.
3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
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My heart was burning in my breast; while I was deep in thought the fire was lighted; then I said with my tongue,
4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
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Lord, give me knowledge of my end, and of the measure of my days, so that I may see how feeble I am.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
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You have made my days no longer than a hand's measure; and my years are nothing in your eyes; truly, every man is but a breath. (Selah.)
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
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Truly, every man goes on his way like an image; he is troubled for no purpose: he makes a great store of wealth, and has no knowledge of who will get it.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
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And now, Lord, what am I waiting for? my hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
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Make me free from all my sins; do not let me be shamed by the man of evil behaviour.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
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I was quiet, and kept my mouth shut; because you had done it.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
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No longer let your hand be hard on me; I am wasted by the blows of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth— surely everyone is but a breath.
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By the weight of your wrath against man's sin, the glory of his form is wasted away; truly every man is but a breath. (Selah.)
12 “Hear my prayer, LORD, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
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Let my prayer come to your ears, O Lord, and give attention to my cry, make an answer to my weeping: for my time here is short before you, and in a little time I will be gone, like all my fathers.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”
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Let your wrath be turned away from me, so that I may be comforted, before I go away from here, and become nothing.
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