Psalm 39

To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.

1        I said, I will look to my ways,

                   lest with my tongue I sin:

          In sight of wicked men my mouth

                   with bridle I'll keep in.

2        With silence I as dumb became,

                   I did myself restrain

          From speaking good; but then the more

                   increased was my pain.

3        My heart within me waxed hot;

                   and, while I musing was,

          The fire did burn; and from my tongue

                   these words I did let pass:

4        Mine end, and measure of my days,

                   O Lord, unto me show

          What is the same; that I thereby

                   my frailty well may know.

5        Lo, thou my days an handbreadth mad'st;

                   mine age is in thine eye

          As nothing: sure each man at best

                   is wholly vanity.

6        Sure each man walks in a vain show;

                   they vex themselves in vain:

          He heaps up wealth, and doth not know

                   to whom it shall pertain.

7        And now, O Lord, what wait I for?

                   my hope is fix'd on thee.

8        Free me from all my trespasses,

                   the fool's scorn make not me.

9        Dumb was I, op'ning not my mouth,

                   because this work was thine.

10      Thy stroke take from me; by the blow

                   of thine hand I do pine.

11      When with rebukes thou dost correct

                   man for iniquity,

          Thou wastes his beauty like a moth:

                   sure each man's vanity.

12      Attend my cry, Lord, at my tears

                   and pray'rs not silent be:

          I sojourn as my fathers all,

                   and stranger am with thee.

13      O spare thou me, that I my strength

                   recover may again,

          Before from hence I do depart,

                   and here no more remain.