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Psalms 39
Of David
1 I said, ‘I will watch how I behave, and not let my tongue lead me into sin; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked man is near me’.
2 I stayed dumb, silent, speechless, though the sight of him thriving made torment increase.
3 My heart had been smouldering inside me, but it flared up at the thought of this and the words burst out,
4 ‘Tell me, Yahweh, when my end will be, how many days are allowed me, show me how frail I am.
5 ‘Look, you have given me an inch or two of life, my life-span is nothing to you; each man that stands on earth is only a puff of wind, (Pause)
6 every man that walks, only a shadow, and the wealth he amasses is only a puff of wind – he does not know who will take it next.’
7 So tell me, Lord, what can I expect? My hope is in you.
8 Free me from all my sins, do not make me the butt of idiots.
9 I am dumb, I speak no more, since you yourself have been at work.
10 Lay your scourge aside, I am worn out with the blows you deal me.
11 You punish man with the penalties of sin, like a moth you eat away all that gives him pleasure – man is indeed only a puff of wind! (Pause)
12 Yahweh, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for help, do not stay deaf to my crying. I am your guest, and only for a time, a nomad like all my ancestors.
13 Look away, let me draw breath, before I go away and am no more!