1 For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.I said to myself, “I will watch what I doand not sin in what I say.I will hold my tonguewhen the ungodly are around me.”
2 But as I stood there in silence—not even speaking of good things—the turmoil within me grew worse.
3 The more I thought about it,the hotter I got,igniting a fire of words:
4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
6 We are merely moving shadows,and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.We heap up wealth,not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?My only hope is in you.
8 Rescue me from my rebellion.Do not let fools mock me.
9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,for my punishment is from you.
10 But please stop striking me!I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
11 When you discipline us for our sins,you consume like a moth what is precious to us.Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!Listen to my cries for help!Don’t ignore my tears.For I am your guest—a traveler passing through,as my ancestors were before me.
13 Leave me alone so I can smile againbefore I am gone and exist no more.