Psalms 39

1 I said, I will give attention to my ways, so that my tongue may do no wrong; I will keep my mouth under control, while the sinner is before me.

1Unto the end, a psalm for David himself.

2I made no sound, I said no word, even of good; and I was moved with sorrow.

2With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and he was attentive to me.

3My heart was burning in my breast; while I was deep in thought the fire was lighted; then I said with my tongue,

3And he heard my prayers, and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs. And he set my feet upon a rock, and directed my steps.

4Lord, give me knowledge of my end, and of the measure of my days, so that I may see how feeble I am.

4And he put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in the Lord.

5You have made my days no longer than a hand's measure; and my years are nothing in your eyes; truly, every man is but a breath. (Selah.)

5Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord; and who hath not had regard to vanities, and lying follies.

6Truly, every man goes on his way like an image; he is troubled for no purpose: he makes a great store of wealth, and has no knowledge of who will get it.

6Thou hast multiplied thy wonderful works, O Lord my God: and in thy thoughts there is no one like to thee. I have declared and I have spoken they are multiplied above number.

7And now, Lord, what am I waiting for? my hope is in you.

7Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire; but thou hast pierced ears for me. Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require:

8Make me free from all my sins; do not let me be shamed by the man of evil behaviour.

8Then said I, Behold I come. In the head of the book it is written of me

9I was quiet, and kept my mouth shut; because you had done it.

9That I should do thy will: O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of my heart.

10No longer let your hand be hard on me; I am wasted by the blows of your hand.

10I have declared thy justice in a great church, lo, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.

11By the weight of your wrath against man's sin, the glory of his form is wasted away; truly every man is but a breath. (Selah.)

11I have not hid thy justice within my heart: I have declared thy truth and thy salvation. I have not concealed thy mercy and thy truth from a great council.

12Let my prayer come to your ears, O Lord, and give attention to my cry, make an answer to my weeping: for my time here is short before you, and in a little time I will be gone, like all my fathers.

12Withhold not thou, O Lord, thy tender mercies from me: thy mercy and thy truth have always upheld me.

13Let your wrath be turned away from me, so that I may be comforted, before I go away from here, and become nothing.

13For evils without number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I was not able to see. They are multiplied above the hairs of my head: and my heart hath forsaken me.

14(not in this translation)

14Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me. Look down, O Lord, to help me.

15(not in this translation)

15Let them be confounded and ashamed together, that seek after my soul to take it away. Let them be turned backward and be ashamed that desire evils to me.

16(not in this translation)

16Let them immediately bear their confusion, that say to me: 'Tis well, 'tis well.

17(not in this translation)

17Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.

18(not in this translation)

18But I am a beggar and poor: the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector: O my God, be not slack.