Chapter 39
1 I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me."
2 I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred.
3 My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burnt. I spoke with my tongue:
4 " LORD , show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am.
5 Behold, you have made my days hand widths. My lifetime is as nothing before you . Surely every man stands as a breath." Selah.
6 " Surely every man walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain . He heaps up , and doesn’t know who shall gather.
7 Now , Lord, what do I wait for ? My hope is in you .
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish.
9 I was mute. I didn’t open my mouth, because you did it .
10 Remove your scourge away from me . I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, you consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath." Selah.
12 "Hear my prayer, LORD , and give ear to my cry. Don’t be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you , a foreigner, as all my fathers were .
13 Oh spare me , that I may recover strength, before I go away and exist no more ."