39  For the musical director: A song by David for Yedutun.

1 I decided that I’ll watch what I say

so that I won’t sin with my lips.

I’ll muzzle my mouth while in the presence of evil people.

2 I kept silent.

I refrained even from saying anything good, and my pain grew worse.

3 My heart became hot when I thought about these things.

≈ It burnt like a fire, then finally I spoke.

4 “Yahweh, make me know when the end of my life will be

≈ and the extent of my days.

Let me see how transient I am.

5 See, you’ve made my days only the width of my hand,

and my lifetime is like nothing in your sight.

Surely all of humanity is just a single breath. (Instrumental break.)

6 Surely every person walks around like a shadow.

Surely everyone hurries about to accumulate riches although they don’t know who’ll inherit them.

7 Now, my master, what am I waiting for?

→ My hope is in you.

8 Rescue me from my disobedience.

Don’t allow fools to be able to mock me.

9 I can’t speak and can’t even open my mouth,

because it’s you who has done it.

10 Stop wounding me.

I’m overwhelmed by the blow of your hand.

11 When you discipline people for disobedience,

like a moth, you consume the things they value.

Surely all people are nothing but vapour. (Instrumental break.)

12 Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and my call for help.

≈ Listen to my weeping.

Don’t be deaf to me,

because I’m like a foreigner with you—a refugee like all my ancestors were.

13 Stop staring at me so that I can smile again

before I die.