Psalms 39

1For the Leader, for Jeduthun. 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 upon my mouth, While the wicked is before me.’

2I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, had no comfort; And my pain was held in check.

3My heart waxed hot within me; While I was musing, the fire kindled; Then spoke I with my tongue:

4‘YHWH, make me to know mine end, And the measure of my days, what it is; Let me know how short-lived I am.

5Behold, Thou hast made my days as hand-breadths; And mine age is as nothing before Thee; Surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity. Selah

6Surely man walketh as a mere semblance; Surely for vanity they are in turmoil; He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

7And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope, it is in Thee.

8Deliver me from all my transgressions; Make me not the reproach of the base.

9I am dumb, I open not my mouth; Because Thou hast done it.

10Remove Thy stroke from off me; I am consumed by the blow of Thy hand.

11With rebukes dost Thou chasten man for iniquity, And like a moth Thou makest his beauty to consume away; Surely every man is vanity. Selah

12Hear my prayer, O YHWH, and give ear unto my cry; Keep not silence at my tears; For I am a stranger with Thee, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13Look away from me, that I may take comfort, Before I go hence, and be no more.’