Psalms 39
1 For the music director. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
2 I said, “I will watch my ways, so I do not sin with my tongue; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while the wicked are before me.”
3 I was mute, silent; I kept quiet even about what was good, and my pain grew worse.
4 My heart grew hot within me; as I pondered, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue.
5 Make me know, LORD, my end and the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am.
6 You have made my days no longer than a handbreadth, and my lifetime is like nothing before you. Every human being, however firmly established, is only a breath. Selah.
7 Surely a person walks about like a shadow; they bustle about for nothing. They pile up wealth and do not know who will gather it.
8 And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
9 Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the object of a fool’s scorn.
10 I was mute; I do not open my mouth, because you were the one who acted.
11 Take your blow away from me; under the attack of your hand, I am worn out.
12 With rebukes for guilt, you discipline a person and consume what they treasure as a moth does. Every human being is only a breath. Selah.
13 Hear my prayer, LORD, and listen to my cry; do not be silent at my tears. For I am a sojourner with you, a temporary resident, like all my ancestors.
14 Turn your gaze away from me, so I may recover my strength before I depart and am no more.
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