The psalmist reflects on the fleeting nature of life, acknowledging that human existence is but a brief, vain endeavor. He asks God to reveal the length of his days and to rescue him from his iniquities, which have led to his suffering and reproach. The psalmist confesses his sin and asks for forgiveness, seeking comfort and refreshment before his inevitable death. He humbly acknowledges his transience, likening himself to a sojourner, and implores God to heed his prayer.
1 Unto the end. For Jeduthun himself. A Canticle of David 2 I said, "I will keep to my ways, so that I will not offend with my tongue." I posted a guard at my mouth, when a sinner took up a position against me 3 I was silenced and humbled, and I was quiet before good things, and my sorrow was renewed 4 My heart grew hot within me, and, during my meditation, a fire would flare up 5 I spoke with my tongue, "O Lord, make me know my end, and what the number of my days will be, so that I may know what is lacking to me. 6 Behold, you have made my days measurable, and, before you, my substance is as nothing. Yet truly, all things are vanity: every living man 7 So then, truly man passes by like an image; even so, he is disquieted in vain. He stores up, and he knows not for whom he will gather these things 8 And now, what is it that awaits me? Is it not the Lord? And my substance is with you 9 Rescue me from all my iniquities. You have handed me over as a reproach to the foolish 10 I was silenced, and I did not open my mouth, because it was you who acted 11 Remove your scourges from me 12 I fall short at corrections from the strength of your hand. For you have chastised man for iniquity. And you have made his soul shrink away like a spider. Nevertheless, it is in vain that any man be disquieted 13 O Lord, heed my prayer and my supplication. Pay attention to my tears. Do not be silent. For I am a newcomer with you, and a sojourner, just as all my fathers were 14 Forgive me, so that I may be refreshed, before I will go forth and be no more