Psalm 39

To the chief singer; to Yeḏuthun, a psalm of Dawiḏ

1  I have said,"Let me guard my ways Against sinning with my tongue; Let me guard my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked one is before me."

2  I became dumb, keeping still; I was silent, from good; And my pain was stirred.

3  My heart was hot within me; While I was meditating, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:

4  "יהוה, let me know my end, And the measure of my days, what it is, Let me know how short-lived I am.

5  "See, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime is as naught before You; Only, all men standing, are all breath. Selah.

6  "As but a shadow each one walks; They busy themselves, only in vain; He heaps up, But knows not who gathers them.

7  "And now, יהוה, what do I wait for? My expectancy is in You.

8  "Deliver me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the reproach of the foolish.

9  "I was dumb, I did not open my mouth, Because it was You who did it.

10  "Turn aside Your stroke from me; I am overcome by the blow of Your hand.

11  "When You chastise man for wickedness with reproofs, You consume what he loves, like a moth; All men are but a breath. Selah.

12  "Hear my prayer, O יהוה, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13  "Look away from me, That I might brighten up, Before I go away and am no more."