Chapter 39

  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.'  

  I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred.  

  My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue:  

  'Yahweh, make me to know my end, What is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am.  

  Behold, you have made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath.' Selah.  

  'Surely every man walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. He heaps up, and doesn't know who shall gather.  

  Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.  

  Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don't make me the reproach of the foolish.  

  I was mute, I didn't open my mouth, Because you did it.  

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

  When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, You consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath.' Selah.  

  'Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don't be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.  

  Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, Before I go away, and be no more.' Psalm 40 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.