RSV Psalms 39 Chapter
39:1
To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue;I will bridle my mouth, so long as the wicked are in my presence.'
39:2
I was dumb and silent, I held my peace to no avail;my distress grew worse,
39:3
my heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned;then I spoke with my tongue:
39:4
'LORD, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days;let me know how fleeting my life is!
39:5
Behold, thou hast made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in thy sight. Surely every man stands as a mere breath! [Selah]
39:6
Surely man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nought are they in turmoil;man heaps up, and knows not who will gather!
39:7
'And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in thee.
39:8
Deliver me from all my transgressions. Make me not the scorn of the fool!
39:9
I am dumb, I do not open my mouth;for it is thou who hast done it.
39:10
Remove thy stroke from me;I am spent by the blows of thy hand.
39:11
When thou dost chasten man with rebukes for sin, thou dost consume like a moth what is dear to him;surely every man is a mere breath! [Selah]
39:12
'Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry;hold not thy peace at my tears! For I am thy passing guest, a sojourner, like all my fathers.
39:13
Look away from me, that I may know gladness, before I depart and be no more!'