To the chief musician, even to Jeduthun, a psalm of David
1
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue; I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.
2
I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, even from good, and my sorrow was stirred.
3
My heart was hot within me; while I was musing, the fire burned; then spake I with my tongue,
4
Lord, make me to know mine end and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am.
5
Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee; verily, every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6
Surely every man walketh in a vain show; surely they are disquieted in vain; he heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7
And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee.
8
Deliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9
I was dumb and opened not my mouth because thou didst chasten me.
10
Remove thy stroke away from me, or I shall be consumed by the blow of thy hand.
11
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth; surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears; for I am a stranger with thee and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13
Oh, spare me, that I may recover strength before I go hence and be no more.