[1] To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. [2] I 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." [3] I was dumb and silent, I
held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse, [4] my heart became hot
within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: [5]
"LORD, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know
how fleeting my life is! [6] Behold, thou hast made my days a few
handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in thy sight. Surely every man
stands as a mere breath! [Selah] [7] Surely man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nought are they in turmoil; man heaps up, and knows not who will
gather! [8] "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in thee. [9]
Deliver me from all my transgressions. Make me not the scorn of the fool!
[10] I am dumb, I do not open my mouth; for it is thou who hast done it.
[11] Remove thy stroke from me; I am spent by the blows of thy hand. [12]
When thou dost chasten man with rebukes for sin, thou dost consume like a
moth what is dear to him; surely every man is a mere breath! [Selah] [13]
"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not thy peace at my
tears! For I am thy passing guest, a sojourner, like all my fathers. [
(Psalms 39:14) Look away from me, that I may know gladness, before I depart
and be no more!" ]
