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 guard my mouth with a muzzle,so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2I was mute and silent;I held my peace to no avail,and my distress grew worse.
3My heart became hot within me.As I mused, the fire burned;then I spoke with my tongue:
4“O Lord, make me know my endand what is the measure of my days;let me know how fleeting I am!
5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,and my lifetime is as nothing before you.Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6Surely a man goes about as a shadow!Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?My hope is in you.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions.Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9I am mute; I do not open my mouth,for it is you who have done it.
10Remove your stroke from me;I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11When you discipline a manwith rebukes for sin,you consume like a moth what is dear to him;surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
12“Hear my prayer, O Lord,and give ear to my cry;hold not your peace at my tears!For I am a sojourner with you,a guest, like all my fathers.
13Look away from me, that I may smile again,before I depart and am no more!”