Psalm
To the director; of Je·duʹthun.*+ A melody of David.
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle+
As long as anyone wicked is in my presence.”
3 My heart smoldered* inside me.
As I pondered,* the fire kept burning.
Then my tongue spoke:
4 “O Jehovah, help me to know what my end will be,
And the measure of my days,+
So that I may know how short my life is.*
Surely every man, though he seems secure, is nothing but a mere breath.+ (Selah)
6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow.
He rushes around* for nothing.
He piles up wealth, not knowing who will enjoy it.+
7 What, then, can I hope for, O Jehovah?
You are my only hope.
8 Save me from all my transgressions.+
Do not let the foolish one make me an object of contempt.
10 Remove your plague from me.
I am worn down because your hand strikes me.
11 You correct man with punishment for his error;+
You consume the things he treasures just as a moth does.
Surely every man is but a mere breath.+ (Selah)
Do not ignore my tears.
13 Turn your harsh gaze away from me so that I may cheer up
Before I pass away and I am gone.”