Psalms 39
1 For the Leader, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said: ‘I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue; I will keep a curb upon my mouth, While the wicked is before me.’
2 I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, had no comfort; And my pain was held in check.
3 My heart waxed hot within me; While I was musing, the fire kindled; Then spoke I with my tongue:
4 LORD, make me to know mine end, And the measure of my days, what it is; Let me know how short-lived I am.
5 Behold, Thou hast made my days as hand-breadths; And mine age is as nothing before Thee; Surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity. Selah
6 Surely man walketh as a mere semblance; Surely for vanity they are in turmoil; He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope, it is in Thee.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions; Make me not the reproach of the base.
9 I am dumb, I open not my mouth; Because Thou hast done it.
10 Remove Thy stroke from off me; I am consumed by the blow of Thy hand.
11 With rebukes dost Thou chasten man for iniquity, And like a moth Thou makest his beauty to consume away; Surely every man is vanity. Selah
12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; Keep not silence at my tears; For I am a stranger with Thee, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13 Look away from me, that I may take comfort, Before I go hence, and be no more.’