Psalm 39
What Is the Measure of My Days?
To the choirmaster: to">(A) Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1I said, "I will">(B) guard my ways,
that I">(C) may not sin with my tongue;
I will">(D) guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence."
2I was">(E) mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3My">(F) heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4"O LORD,">(G) make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and">(H) my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely">(I) all mankind stands as a mere breath!
Selah
6Surely a man">(J) goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man">(K) heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
">(L) My hope is in you.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions.
">(M) Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9">(N) I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
">(O) for it is you who have done it.
10">(P) Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11When you discipline a man
with">(Q) rebukes for sin,
you">(R) consume like a">(S) moth what is dear to him;
">(T) surely all mankind is a mere breath!
Selah
12">(U) "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am">(V) a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
13">(W) Look away from me, that I may smile again,
">(X) before I depart and">(Y) am no more!"