Classic Poem

I said: " I will take heed to my ways,
That I sin not with my tongue;
I will keep a curb upon my mouth,
While the wicked is before me."
I was dumb with silence, I held my
peace, had no comfort;
And my pain was held in check.
My heart waxed hot within me;
While I was musing, the fire kindled;
Then spoke I with my tongue:

" Lord, make me to know mine end,
And the measure of my days, what it is;
Let me know how short-lived I am.
Behold, Thou hast made my days as
hand-breadths;
And mine age is as nothing before
Thee;
Surely every man at his best estate is
altogether vanity.
Surely man walketh as a mere
semblance;
Surely for vanity they are in turmoil;
He heapeth up riches, and knoweth
not who shall gather them.