Hear Us, Shepherd (80)

`I said, “I will / guard my ways, 

so `that I do not sin_ / with my tongue.

`I will guard my mouth_ / with a muzzle 

`while the wicked are be / fore~ me.”

`I was / mute with silence.

I `held my peace_, even / from~ good.

`My dis / tress grew worse.

My `heart was / hot within me. +

`While I meditated, the_ / fire~ burned.

`Then I spoke_ / with my tongue:

(Ref)

`“LORD, show me my end, what is the number / of my days.

`Let me know how / frail I am.

In `deed_, you have made my days a few widths / of a hand.

My `lifetime is as nothing / before you. • `Surely ev’ry person stands_ only / as a breath.”

Selah.

`“Surely ev’ry person walks_ like a shadow, busying themselves_ / in~ vain.

They `heap up and do not know / who shall gather.

`Now, Lord, what do I_ / wait~ for?

`My hope / is in you.

De `liver me from all_ / my transgressions.

Do `not make me the scorn_ / of the foolish.

`I was mute. I did not open / my~ mouth,

be `cause of what_ / you have done.

(Ref)

Re `move your scourge a / way from me.

`I am overcome_ by the blow_ / of your hand.

When `you rebuke_ and correct a person for in / iquity, • • `you consume his wealth_ / like a moth.

`Surely all mankind is / but a breath.”

Selah.

`“Hear my prayer_, LORD_, and give ear_ / to my cry.

Do `not be silent / at my tears.

For `I am with you as a / sojourner,

a `stranger, as_ all my / fathers were. +

Oh `spare_ me, that I may / smile again,

be `fore_ I depart and / am no more.”