“I know!
O Yahweh!
That the way of human beings
Is not in their control.
The mortals,
As they walk,
Cannot direct their steps.
Correct me!
O Yahweh!
But in your just measure!
Not in your anger!
Otherwise
You will bring me to nothing.”
Jeremiah prays directly to Yahweh. He knows that humans cannot control their ways, since they are out of control. Someone needs to direct their steps as they walk. Thus Jeremiah wants Yahweh to correct him in a just way, but not in anger. Otherwise, Jeremiah would be reduced to nothing.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 