Psalm 39

To the leader: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
        I said, "I will guard my ways
        that I may not sin with my tongue;
        I will keep a muzzle on my mouth
        as long as the wicked are in my presence."
        I was silent and still;
        I held my peace to no avail;
        my distress grew worse,
        my heart became hot within me.
        While I mused, the fire burned;
        then I spoke with my tongue:
        "LORD, let me know my end,
        and what is the measure of my days;
        let me know how fleeting my life is.
        You have made my days a few handbreadths,
        and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight.
        Surely everyone stands as a mere breath.
Selah

        Surely everyone goes about like a shadow.
        Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
        they heap up, and do not know who will gather.
        "And now, O LORD, what do I wait for?
        My hope is in you.
        Deliver me from all my transgressions.
        Do not make me the scorn of the fool.
        I am silent; I do not open my mouth,
        for it is you who have done it.
        Remove your stroke from me;
        I am worn down by the blows of your hand.
        "You chastise mortals
        in punishment for sin,
        consuming like a moth what is dear to them;
        surely everyone is a mere breath.
Selah

        "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
        and give ear to my cry;
        do not hold your peace at my tears.
        For I am your passing guest,
        an alien, like all my forebears.
        Turn your gaze away from me, that I may smile again,
        before I depart and am no more."