1  I said, “I will ^wguard my ways,

that I ^xmay not sin with my tongue;

I will ^yguard my mouth with a muzzle,

so long as the wicked are in my presence.”

2  I was ^zmute and silent;

I held my peace to no avail,

and my distress grew worse.

3  My ^aheart became hot within me.

As I mused, the fire burned;

then I spoke with my tongue:

4  “O Lord, ^bmake me know my end

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting I am!