Psalms 39 · תהילים

To the chief Musician, for Yedutun, A Psalm of David.

I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep a curb on my mouth, while the wicked man is before me.

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, had no comfort, and my pain was stirred up.

My heart was hot within me; while I was musing, the fire burned: then I spoke with my tongue,

Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is; I will know how frail I am.

Behold, Thou hast made my days like handbreadths; and my age is as nothing before Thee: truly every man at his best state is altogether vanity. (Sela.)

Surely every man walks in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them.

And now, Lord, what do I wait for? my hope is in Thee.

Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the base man.

I am dumb, I open not my mouth; because Thou didst it.

Remove Thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of Thy hand.

When Thou with rebukes dost correct a man for iniquity, Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. (Sela.)

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; keep not silence at my tears: for I am a stranger with Thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Look away from me, that I may recover brightness, before I go hence, and am no more.