1 For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I do not 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 " Lord, 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. Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.

9 I was mute. I did not 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, Lord, and give ear to my cry. Do not 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."