1(For the one directing, even to Yedutun. Mizmor Dovid)

2I said, I will be shomer over my ways,
that I sin not with my leshon;
I will be shomer over my mouth with a muzzle,
while the rashah is before me.

3I was dumb with silence,
I held my peace for the sake of tov;
and my distress grew severe.

4My lev became hot within me;
while I was musing the eish burned;
then I spoke with my leshon:

5Hashem, make me to know mine end,
and the measure of my yamim, what it is;
that I may have da'as of how chadel (fleeting, frail) I am.

6Hinei, Thou hast made my yamim as a handbreadth,
and mine lifespan is as nothing before Thee;
verily kol adam stand as kol hevel (altogether vanity).
Selah

7Surely every ish walketh in a tzel (shadow);
surely they are in turmoil in vain;
he heapeth up riches, and hath no da'as of who shall gather them.

8And now, Adonoi, what do I wait for?
My hope is in Thee.

9Save me from all my peysha'im;
make me not the reproach of the foolish.

10I was silent, I opened not my mouth;
because Atah (Thou) did it.

11Remove Thy nega (stroke, scourge) away from me;
I am consumed by the blow of Thine yad.

12When Thou with rebukes dost correct man for avon (iniquity),
Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth:
surely kol adam are hevel (vanity).
Selah

13Hear my tefillah, Hashem, and give ear unto my cry;
hold not Thy peace at my weeping;
for I am a ger with Thee,
and a sojourner, as were all my Avot.

14O spare me from Thy frown, that I may recover strength,
before I depart, v'eineni (and I be no more). ³⁶