Psalm 39

I said, “Now let me watch my ways

and keep my tongue from sin.

I’ll put a muzzle on my mouth

while I’m with wicked men.”

When I was silent and kept still

and firmly held my peace,

Not speaking even what was good,

this made my pain increase.

Because of this my heart grew hot;

the fire burned strong indeed

The more I mused upon it all.

Then I began to plead:

“LORD, show me that my life will end—

how many days I’ll see—

And cause me, LORD, to understand

how brief my life will be.

“O LORD, how short you make my days

before I sink in death.

My years are nothing in your sight;

man’s life is but a breath.

“Like shadows people go about;

they bustle to and fro.

They heap up wealth, but do not know

to whom their wealth will go.

“But now, what do I look for, LORD?

My hope is set on you.

From my transgressions rescue me

lest fools in scorn pursue.

“I held my peace and would not speak,

for you did this, I know.

Remove your scourge from me; your hand

has struck and laid me low.

“For you rebuke and punish men

for their iniquity.

You, like a moth, consume their wealth;

each man is vanity.

“O LORD, please listen to my prayer

and hear my cry for aid;

Do not be deaf to the appeal

which I with tears have made.

“For as your guest I stay a while.

I’m like my fathers all—

A stranger and a pilgrim here.

Have mercy when I call.

“O turn away your eyes from me.

Let me rejoice again

Before I finally depart

and here no more remain.”