1 For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm. I said, "I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence."
2 I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified.
3 My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:
4 "LORD, reveal to me the end of my life and the number of my days. Let me know how transitory I am.
5 You, indeed, have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight. Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Selah
6 Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.
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 taunt of fools.
9 I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.
10 Remove Your torment from me; I fade away because of the force of Your hand.
11 You discipline a man with punishment for sin, consuming like a moth what is precious to him; every man is a mere vapor. Selah
12 "Hear my prayer, LORD, and listen to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears. For I am a foreigner residing with You, a sojourner like all my fathers.
13 Turn Your angry gaze from me so that I may be cheered up before I die and am gone."