I said, I will look to my ways

Verse 1

I Said, I to my ways will look, lest I sin with my tongue; With curb I'll keep my mouth while I the wicked am among.

Verse 2

With silence I as dumb abode, my mouth did I refrain From speaking good; but then the more excited was my pain.

Verse 3

My heart within me waxed hot, while I was musing long; Until the fire enkindled was; then spake I with my tongue.

Verse 4

O LORD, teach me to know my end, and measure of my days; How short it is, how frail I am, how swift my time decays.

Verse 5

Lo, Thou my days hast made a span, mine age is nought to Thee: At his best state sure ev'ry man Us wholly vanity. (Selah.)

Verse 6

Sure man walks in an empty show, and stirs himself in vain; Who heaps up wealth, but knows not who shall gather all his gain.

Verse 7

And now, O Lord, what wait I for? my hope is set on Thee:

Verse 8

Free me from all my trespasses: the fool’s scoff make not me.

Verse 9

I silent was, and shut my mouth, this done because Thou hast:

Verse 10

Remove thy stroke away from me' by thy hands blow I waste.

Verse 11

When with rebukes Thou chastnest man for his iniquity; His beauty, like a moth, consumes: sure each man’s vanity. (Selah.)

Verse 12

LORD hear my pray'r, regard my tears, give ear to my loud cry: For as my fathers all, with Thee, a sojourner am I.

Verse 13

O spare me for a little space, and strength to me restore, Before, by death, from hence I go, and shall be here no more.