For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by Dawud.
1I 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.“
2I was mute with silence.
I held my peace, even from good.
My sorrow was stirred.
3My heart was hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned:
I spoke with my tongue:
4“Allah, show me my end,
What is the measure of my days.
Let me know how frail I am.
5Behold, 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 does not know who shall gather.
7Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.
9I was mute.
I did not open my mouth,
Because you did it.
10Remove your scourge away from me.
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11When 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, Allah, 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.
13Oh spare me, that I may recover strength,
Before I go away, and be no more.“