Psalm 39
Dixi, Custodiam
1 I said, "I will take heed to my ways,*
that I may not offend with my tongue.
2 I will keep my mouth as with a bridle*
while the ungodly are in my sight."
3 I held my tongue and spoke nothing;*
I kept silence, even from good words; but it was pain and grief to me.
4 My heart was hot within me, and while I was thus pondering the fire kindled,*
and at the last I spoke with my tongue:
5 "Lord, let me know my end and the number of my days,*
that I may learn how short my life is.
6 Behold, you have made my days as a span in length,*
and my age is even as nothing before you; and truly, everyone living is but a breath.
7 For everyone walks about as a shadow, and disquiets himself in vain;*
he heaps up riches and cannot tell who shall gather them.
8 And now, Lord, what is my hope?*
Truly, my hope is in you.
9 Deliver me from all my offenses,*
and make me not a taunt of the foolish.
10 I became mute and opened not my mouth,*
for it was you that brought it to pass.
11 Take your affliction from me;*
I am consumed by the blows of your heavy hand.
12 When you, with rebukes, chasten someone for sin, you consume what is dear to him, like a moth eating a garment;*
everyone therefore is but vanity.
13 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and with your ears consider my cry;*
hold not your peace at my tears.
14 For I am a stranger with you,*
and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
15 O turn your gaze from me, that I may again be glad,*
before I go away to be seen no more."
Psalms with similar themes:
The Transitoriness of Life
39
49
90
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