David decides to guard his tongue but cannot stay silent. He prays to know how short his life is, since each person is only a breath. His hope is in the LORD, and he asks to be spared before he departs.
1 To the chief Musician , even to Jeduthun , A Psalm of David . I said , I will take heed to my ways , that I sin not with my tongue : I will keep my mouth with a bridle , while the wicked is before me.
2 I was dumb with silence , I held my peace , even from good ; and my sorrow was stirred .
3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned : then spake I with my tongue ,
4 LORD , make me to know mine end , and the measure of my days , what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth ; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity . Selah .
6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew : surely they are disquieted in vain : he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7 And now, Lord , what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions : make me not the reproach of the foolish .
9 I was dumb , I opened not my mouth ; because thou didst it.
10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand .
11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity , thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth : surely every man is vanity . Selah .
12 Hear my prayer , O LORD , and give ear unto my cry ; hold not thy peace at my tears : for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner , as all my fathers were.
13 O spare me, that I may recover strength , before I go hence , and be no more.