1For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. I said, "I will be careful about how I act, so that I don't sin with my words. While wicked people are around, I will keep my mouth shut."
2I was completely silent. I didn't say anything, not even good things. My sadness grew.
3My heart was burning inside me. The more I thought about it, the more the fire burned. Then I spoke:
4"Yahweh, show me how long I have to live. Let me know how short my life is."
5Look, you have made my life span very short. My whole life is nothing compared to you. Truly, every person is only a breath." <i>Selah.</i>
6"Truly, every person walks around like a shadow. Truly, they work hard for nothing. They gather wealth, but don't know who will get it."
7Now, Lord, what am I waiting for? My hope is in you.
8Save me from all my wrongdoing. Don't let foolish people mock me.
9I was silent. I didn't speak, because you were the one who did it.
10Stop punishing me. I am broken by the blow of your hand.
11When you criticize and correct people for their sin, you destroy their wealth like a moth eats cloth. Truly, every person is nothing but a breath." <i>Selah.</i>
12"Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and listen to my cry. Don't ignore my tears. For I am a temporary resident with you, a foreigner, just like all my ancestors were."
13Please spare me, so I can regain my strength, before I die and am no more."