To the director; of Ye·duʹthun. A melody of David.
39 I said: “I will guard my step
To avoid sinning with my tongue.
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle
As long as anyone wicked is in my presence.”
2 I was speechless and silent;
I kept quiet even about what is good,
3 My heart smoldered inside me.
As I pondered, the fire kept burning.
Then my tongue spoke:
4 “O Ahv'ah {Heb. Yahvah}, help me to know what my end will be,
And the measure of my days,
So that I may know how short my life is.
5 Indeed, you have made my days just a few;
And my life span is as nothing before you.
Surely every man, though he seems secure, is nothing but a mere breath. (Selah)
6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow.
He piles up wealth, not knowing who will enjoy it.
7 What, then, can I hope for, O Ahv'ah {Heb. Yahvah}?
You are my only hope.
8 Save me from all my transgressions.
Do not let the foolish one make me an object of contempt.
9 I remained speechless;
I could not open my mouth,
Because this was your doing.
10 Remove your plague from me.
I am worn down because your hand strikes me.
11 You correct man with punishment for his error;
You consume the things he treasures just as a moth does.
Surely every man is but a mere breath. (Selah)
12 Hear my prayer, O Ahv'ah {Heb. Yahvah},
Listen to my cry for help.
Do not ignore my tears.
For I am but a foreign resident to you,
A traveler passing through, just like all my forefathers.
13 Turn your harsh gaze away from me so that I may cheer up
Before I pass away and I am gone.”