Lord, make me aware of my end
and the number of my days
so that I will know how short-lived I am.(A)
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.(B)Selah
Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they rush around in vain,
gathering possessions
without knowing who will get them.(C)

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

“Surely everyone goes around(F) like a mere phantom;(G)
    in vain they rush about,(H) heaping up wealth(I)
    without knowing whose it will finally be.(J)

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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.