39

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
  1I said, “I will watch my ways
   and keep my tongue from sin;
  I will put a muzzle on my mouth
   while in the presence of the wicked.”
  2So I remained utterly silent,
   not even saying anything good.
  But my anguish increased;
   3my heart grew hot within me.
  While I meditated, the fire burned;
   then I spoke with my tongue:

  4“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
   and the number of my days;
   let me know how fleeting my life is.
  5You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
   the span of my years is as nothing before you.
  Everyone is but a breath,
   even those who seem secure.

  6“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
   in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
   without knowing whose it will finally be.

  7“But now, Lord, what do I look for?
   My hope is in you.
  8Save me from all my transgressions;
   do not make me the scorn of fools.
  9I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
   for you are the one who has done this.
  10Remove your scourge from me;
   I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
  11When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
   you consume their wealth like a moth—
   surely everyone is but a breath.

  12“Hear my prayer, Lord,
   listen to my cry for help;
   do not be deaf to my weeping.
  I dwell with you as a foreigner,
   a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
  13Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
   before I depart and am no more.”