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."
2I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from [speaking] good, and my pain intensified.
3My 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.
5You, 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
6Certainly, 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.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the taunt of fools.
9I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.
10Remove Your torment from me; I fade away because of the force of Your hand.
11You 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.
13Turn Your angry gaze from me so that I may be cheered up before I die and am gone."