To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

    I said, “I will guard my ways,
        that I may not sin with my tongue;
    I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
        so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
    I was mute and silent;
        I held my peace to no avail,
    and my distress grew worse.
        My heart became hot within me.
    As I mused, the fire burned;
        then I spoke with my tongue:


    “O LORD, make me know my end
        and what is the measure of my days;
        let me know how fleeting I am!
    Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
        and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
    Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
        Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
    Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
        man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!


    “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
        My hope is in you.
    Deliver me from all my transgressions.
        Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
    I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
        for it is you who have done it.
    Remove your stroke from me;
        I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
    When you discipline a man
        with rebukes for sin,
    you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
        surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah


    “Hear my prayer, O LORD,
        and give ear to my cry;
        hold not your peace at my tears!
    For I am a sojourner with you,
        a guest, like all my fathers.
    Look away from me, that I may smile again,
        before I depart and am no more!”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.