✎Economics

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

     1             I said, “I will watch my ways

         and keep my tongue from sin;

                  I will put a muzzle on my mouth

         while in the presence of the wicked.”

     2             So I remained utterly silent,

         not even saying anything good.

                  But my anguish increased;

   3     my heart grew hot within me.

                  While I meditated, the fire burned;

         then I spoke with my tongue:

     4             “Show me, Lord, my life’s end

         and the number of my days;

         let me know how fleeting my life is.

     5             You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

         the span of my years is as nothing before you.

                  Everyone is but a breath,

         even those who seem secure.

     6             “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;

         in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth

         without knowing whose it will finally be.

     7             “But now, Lord, what do I look for?

         My hope is in you.

     8             Save me from all my transgressions;

         do not make me the scorn of fools.

     9             I was silent; I would not open my mouth,

         for you are the one who has done this.

     10            Remove your scourge from me;

         I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

     11            When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,

         you consume their wealth like a moth — ​

         surely everyone is but a breath.

     12            “Hear my prayer, Lord,

         listen to my cry for help;

         do not be deaf to my weeping.

                  I dwell with you as a foreigner,

         a stranger, as all my ancestors were.

     13            Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again

         before I depart and am no more.”