Study Desk

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."^(a)

I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified.^(b)

My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned.^(c) I spoke with my tongue:

" Lord , reveal to me the end of my life and the number of my days. Let me know how short-lived I am.^(d)

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.^(e) Selah

"Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.^(f)

Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.^(g)

Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the taunt of fools.^(h)

I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.⁽ⁱ⁾

Remove Your torment from me; I fade away because of the force of Your hand.^(j)

You discipline a man with punishment for sin, consuming like a moth what is precious to him;^(k) every man is only a vapor.^(l) Selah

"Hear my prayer, Lord , and listen to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears.^(m) For I am a foreigner residing with You, a temporary resident like all my fathers.⁽ⁿ⁾

Turn Your angry gaze from me so that I may be cheered up before I die and am gone."^(o)