Lyrics
I decided, “I will watch what I say And make sure I do not sin With my tongue. I will put a muzzle over my mouth While in the presence Of an evil person.”
I was stone silent I held back the urge to speak My frustration grew My anxiety intensified
As I thought about it, I became impatient Finally I spoke these words:
“O LORD, Help me understand my mortality And the brevity of life Let me realize How quickly my life will pass
Look, you make my days short-lived And my life span is nothing From your perspective My life span is nothing From your perspective
Surely all people, Even those who seem secure, Are nothing but vapor Nothing but vapor Surely people go through life As mere ghosts Surely they accumulate Worthless wealth Without knowing who will Eventually haul it away”
But now, O Lord, Upon what am I relying? You are my only hope! Deliver me From all my sins of rebellion Do not make me the object Of fools’ insults
I am silent And cannot open my mouth Because of what you have done
Please stop wounding me You have almost beaten me To death
You severely discipline people For their sins Like a moth you slowly devour Their strength Surely all people Are a mere vapor Nothing but vapor Hear my prayer, O Lord Hear my prayer Nothing but vapor Nothing but vapor