Psalm 39 (New International Version)

Psalm 39

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

 ¹ I said, "I will watch my ways
       and keep my tongue from sin;
       I will put a muzzle on my mouth
       as long as the wicked are in my presence."

 ² But when I was silent and still,
       not even saying anything good,
       my anguish increased.

 ³ My heart grew hot within me,
       and as I meditated, the fire burned;
       then I spoke with my tongue:

 ⁴ "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
       and the number of my days;
       let me know how fleeting is my life.

 ⁵ You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
       the span of my years is as nothing before you.
       Each man's life is but a breath.
       Selah

 ⁶ Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
       He bustles about, but only in vain;
       he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

 ⁷ "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
       My hope is in you.

 ⁸ Save me from all my transgressions;
       do not make me the scorn of fools.

 ⁹ I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
       for you are the one who has done this.

 ¹⁰ Remove your scourge from me;
       I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

 ¹¹ You rebuke and discipline men for their sin;
       you consume their wealth like a moth—
       each man is but a breath.
       Selah

 ¹² "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
       listen to my cry for help;
       be not deaf to my weeping.
       For I dwell with you as an alien,
       a stranger, as all my fathers were.

 ¹³ Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
       before I depart and am no more."