Psalm 39:1-13
(Of the Director; of Jeduthun; a psalm of David’s.)
39 I said “I will watch my coursesto keep from sinning with my tongue;I will put a muzzle on my mouthso long as I am facing a rascal.”
2 I was mute accordingly,I refrained from saying anything good,And my pain was stirred,
3 my heart grew hot within me,In my brooding a fire was burning;I spoke with my tongue,
4 “Make my end known to me, Jehovah,and what is the measure of my days;let me be conscious how transitory I am.
5 Here you have made my days some handbreadthsand before you my tenure of life is as if there were none of it;every man bases himself just on air. (Selah)
6 A man walks along in a mere picture,they make an uproar of mere air,one piles up heaps and does not know who is going to take them home.
7 And now what am I counting on, Lord?it is for you I wait.
8 Deliver me from all my crimes;do not make me a butt for a scamp’s taunting.
9 I was mute, did not open my mouth,because it was you that had acted.
10 Take your visitation off me;by the stress of your hand I am finished.
11 With discipline for guilt you correct a manand you melt down his attractive figure like a moth;every man is just air.” [Selah]
12 Hear my prayer, Jehovah, and give ear to my cry;do not be deaf to my sobs;For I am a visitor with youand a tenant, like all my fathers.
13 Take your eyes off me and let me brighten upbefore I go away and am gone.