The Brevity of Human Life

Verse 1

I constant care will take, Lest sinful words they hear; My lips their silence shall not break While wicked men are near.

Verse 2

I dumb and silent stood, No words of mine were heard; I e'en refrained from speaking good, Till sorrow's deeps were stirred.

Verse 3

My heart was all on fire, With burning thoughts suppressed; My tongue was loosed, my soul's desire I then to God addressed.

Verse 4

My end, Lord, make me know, My days, how soon they fall; And to my thoughtful spirit show How weak I am and frail.

Verse 5

To Thy eternal thought My days are but a span; To Thee my years appear as naught, A breath at best is man.

Verse 6

Man lives in empty show, His anxious care is vain, He hoards his wealth, and does not know Who shall possess his gain.