For the Musical Director.
For Jeduthun.
A Psalm of David.
1I said, “I will watch my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”
2I was mute and quiet. I kept silent, even from good, but my pain was stirred up.
3My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned, then I spoke with my tongue:
4“O Yahweh, show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am.
5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a mere breath.” Selah.
6“Surely every person walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. He heaps up and does not know who will gather.
7Now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.
9I was mute. I did not open my mouth, because you did it.
10Remove your scourge away from me. I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11When you rebuke and correct man for his guilt, You consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath.” Selah.
12“Hear my prayer, O Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Do not be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my fathers were.
13Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away and exist no more.”
REV Bible
