1 1 1 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. 1 +039:1-13 is numbered 39:2-14 in Hebrew texts.+1
1 I said, "I will watch my ways 1 and keep my tongue from sin; 1 I will put a muzzle on my mouth 1 while in the presence of the wicked."
2 So I remained utterly silent, 2 not even saying anything good. 2 But my anguish increased; 3 my heart grew hot within me. 3 While I meditated, the fire burned; 3 then I spoke with my tongue:
4 "Show me, Lord, my life's end 4 and the number of my days; 4 let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; 5 the span of my years is as nothing before you. 5 Everyone is but a breath, 5 even those who seem secure.[a]
6 "Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; 6 in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth 6 without knowing whose it will finally be.
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? 7 My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; 8 do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, 9 for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; 10 I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline people for their sins, 11 you consume their wealth like a moth— 11 surely everyone is but a breath.
12 "Hear my prayer, Lord, 12 listen to my cry for help; 12 do not be deaf to my weeping. 12 I dwell with you as a foreigner, 12 a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again 13 before I depart and am no more."
