Chapter 39
Psalms
Verse 1I said, “I will guard my ways,that I may not sin with my tongue;I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,so long as the wicked are in my presence.”Verse 2I was mute and silent;I held my peace to no avail,and my distress grew worse.Verse 3My heart became hot within me.As I mused, the fire burned;then I spoke with my tongue:Verse 4“O LORD, make me know my endand what is the measure of my days;let me know how fleeting I am!Verse 5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,and my lifetime is as nothing before you.Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! SelahVerse 6Surely a man goes about as a shadow!Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!Verse 7“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?My hope is in you.Verse 8Deliver me from all my transgressions.Do not make me the scorn of the fool!Verse 9I am mute; I do not open my mouth,for it is you who have done it.Verse 10Remove your stroke from me;I am spent by the hostility of your hand.Verse 11When you discipline a manwith rebukes for sin,you consume like a moth what is dear to him;surely all mankind is a mere breath! SelahVerse 12“Hear my prayer, O LORD,and give ear to my cry;hold not your peace at my tears!For I am a sojourner with you,a guest, like all my fathers.Verse 13Look away from me, that I may smile again,before I depart and am no more!”
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