Psalm 39
I said ‘I will keep watch over my ways, lest I sin with my tongue
: I will keep a guard on my mouth while the wicked are in my sight.’
I held my tongue and said nothing
: I kept silent, but found no comfort.
My pain was increased, my heart grew hot within me
: while I mused, the fire blazed, and I spoke with my tongue;
‘Lord, let me know my end
: and the number of my days,
‘That I may know how short my time is
: for you have made my days but a handsbreadth
and my whole span is as nothing before you.’
Surely every man, though he stand secure, is but breath
: man lives as a passing shadow.
The riches he heaps are but a puff of wind
: and he cannot tell who will gather them.
And now, Lord, what is my hope?
: truly my hope is in you.
O deliver me from all my transgressions
: do not make me the butt of fools.
I was dumb, I did not open my mouth
: for surely it was your doing.
Take away your plague from me
: I am brought to an end by the blows of your hand.
When with rebukes you chastise a man for sin
: you cause his fair looks to dissolve in putrefaction
surely every man is but breath.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry :
be not silent at my tears.
For I am but a stranger with you :
a passing guest as all my fathers were.
Turn your eye from me, that I may smile again :
before I go hence and am no more.