To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will bridle my mouth, so long as the wicked are in my presence." 2I was dumb and silent,
I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse, 3my heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue: 4"LORD, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is! 5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight.
Surely every man stands as a mere breath! Selah 6Surely man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nought are they in turmoil;
man heaps up, and knows not who will gather! 7"And now, Yahweh, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you. 8Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Make me not the scorn of the fool! 9I am dumb, I do not open my mouth;
for it is you who have done it. 10Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the blows of your hand. 11When you chasten man with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely every man is a mere breath! Selah 12"Hear my prayer, O Yahweh, and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am your passing guest,
a sojourner, like all my fathers. 13Look away from me, that I may know gladness,
before I depart and be no more!"