Study Desk

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

I said, "I will watch my ways^(a) and keep my tongue from sin;^(b) I will put a muzzle on my mouth^(c) while in the presence of the wicked."

So I remained utterly silent,^(d) not even saying anything good. But my anguish^(e) increased;

my heart grew hot^(f) within me. While I meditated,^(g) the fire^(h) burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

"Show me, Lord , my life's end and the number of my days;⁽ⁱ⁾ let me know how fleeting^(j) my life is.^(k)

You have made my days^(l) a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath,^(m) even those who seem secure.^[b]

"Surely everyone goes around⁽ⁿ⁾ like a mere phantom;^(o) in vain they rush about,^(p) heaping up wealth^(q) without knowing whose it will finally be.^(r)

"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.^(s)

Save me^(t) from all my transgressions;^(u) do not make me the scorn^(v) of fools.

I was silent;^(w) I would not open my mouth,^(x) for you are the one who has done this.^(y)

Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow^(z) of your hand.^(aa)

When you rebuke^(ab) and discipline^(ac) anyone for their sin, you consume^(ad) their wealth like a moth^(ae)— surely everyone is but a breath.^(af)

"Hear my prayer, Lord , listen to my cry for help;^(ag) do not be deaf^(ah) to my weeping.^(ai) I dwell with you as a foreigner,^(aj) a stranger,^(ak) as all my ancestors were.^(al)

Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more."^(am)