I Will Watch my Ways
For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.
1 I said, “I will guard my ways, so that I do not sin with my tongue.
I will keep a muzzle on my mouth while the wicked are before me.”
2 I was silent–unable to speak.
I held my peace, even from good,
and my sorrow was stirred.
3 My heart burned within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned.
I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Lord, show me my end,
what is the measure of my days,
that I may know how frail I am.
5 You have made my days a hand-breadth.
My lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely every man, in his best state, is altogether vapor.”
Selah.
6 “Surely every man walks like a shadow.
Surely they busy themselves in vain.
He heaps up riches and does not know who shall gather them.
7 Now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.
9 I was unable to speak.
I did not open my mouth,
because you have done this.
10 Stop striking me down.
I am consumed by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity,
you consume his wealth like a moth.
Surely every man is but a breath.”
Selah.
12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry.
Hold not your peace at my tears.
For I am a stranger with you,
a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength,
before I go and am no more.”