Psalm 39

Psalm 39

I said, “I will watch my ways

    and keep my tongue from sin;

I will put a muzzle on my mouth

    while in the presence of the wicked.”

2 So I remained utterly silent,

    not even saying anything good.

But my anguish increased;

3     my heart grew hot within me.

While I meditated, the fire burned;

    then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end

    and the number of my days;

    let me know how fleeting my life is.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

    the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

    even those who seem secure.

6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;

    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth

    without knowing whose it will finally be.

7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?

    My hope is in you.

8 Save me from all my transgressions;

    do not make me the scorn of fools.

9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,

    for you are the one who has done this.

10 Remove your scourge from me;

    I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,

    you consume their wealth like a moth—

    surely everyone is but a breath.

12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,

    listen to my cry for help;

    do not be deaf to my weeping.

I dwell with you as a foreigner,

    a stranger, as all my ancestors were.

13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again

    before I depart and am no more.”