² We blossom like a flower and then wither.
    Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.

²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

²⁵ The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
    to those who search for him.
²⁶ So it is good to wait quietly
    for salvation from the Lord.
²⁷ And it is good for people to submit at an early age
    to the yoke of his discipline:

⁴ For they are like a breath of air;
    their days are like a passing shadow.

⁵ You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
    My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
    at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude

⁶ We are merely moving shadows,
    and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
    not knowing who will spend it.

⁹ For we were born but yesterday and know nothing.
    Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.