1 For the leader. Set in the style of
Y'dutun. A psalm of David: I said, "I will watch how I behave, so that I
won't sin with my tongue; I will put a muzzle on my mouth whenever the wicked
confront me."
2 I was silent, said nothing, not even
good; but my pain kept being stirred up.
3 My heart grew hot within me; whenever
I thought of it, the fire burned. Then, [at last,] I let my tongue
speak:
4 "Make me grasp, ADONAI, what my
end must be, what it means that my days are numbered; let me know what a
transient creature I am.
5 You have made my days like
handbreadths; for you, the length of my life is like nothing." Yes,
everyone, no matter how firmly he stands, is merely a puff of wind.
(Selah)
6 Humans go about like shadows; their
turmoil is all for nothing. They accumulate wealth, not knowing who will enjoy
its benefits.
7 Now, Adonai, what am I waiting for?
You are my only hope.
8 Rescue me from all my transgressions;
don't make me the butt of fools.
9 I am silent, I keep my mouth shut,
because it is you who have done it.
10 Stop raining blows on me; the
pounding of your fist is wearing me down.
11 With rebukes you discipline people
for their guilt; like a moth, you destroy what makes them attractive; yes,
everyone is merely a puff of wind. (Selah)
12 Hear my prayer, ADONAI, listen to my
cry, don't be deaf to my weeping; for with you, I am just a traveler passing
through, like all my ancestors.
13 Turn your gaze from me, so I can
smile again before I depart and cease to exist.
