My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, a fire burned.(A)
I spoke with my tongue:
Lord, make me aware of my end
and the number of my days
so that I will know how short-lived I am.(B)
In fact, you have made my days just inches long,
and my life span is as nothing to you.
Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor.(C)Selah

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    my heart grew hot(A) within me.
While I meditated,(B) the fire(C) burned;
    then I spoke with my tongue:

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;(D)
    let me know how fleeting(E) my life is.(F)
You have made my days(G) a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,(H)
    even those who seem secure.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 39:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 11.