For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.

1I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue.

I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”

2I was mute with silence.

I held my peace, even from good.

My sorrow was stirred.

3My heart was hot within me.

While I meditated, the fire burned.

I spoke with my tongue:

4“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 hand widths.

My lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely every man stands as a breath.” Selah.

6“Surely every man walks like a shadow.

Surely they busy themselves in vain.

He heaps up, and doesn’t know who shall gather.

7Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you.

8Deliver me from all my transgressions.

Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish.

9I was mute.

I didn’t 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 iniquity,

you consume his wealth like a moth.

Surely every man is but a breath.” Selah.

12“Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry.

Don’t 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.”