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

1 I 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." 2 I was mute with silence.
I held my peace, even from good.
My sorrow was stirred. 3 My 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. 5 Behold, you have made my days handbreadths.
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. 7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Don't make me the reproach of the foolish. 9 I was mute.
I didn't open my mouth,
because you did it. 10 Remove your scourge away from me.
I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 When 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. 13 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength,
before I go away, and exist no more."