Psalm 39

I said, “I will take heed to my ways, that I may not offend with my tongue.

I will keep my mouth as with a bridle while the ungodly are in my sight.”

I held my tongue and spoke nothing; I kept silence, even from good words; but it was pain and grief to me.

My heart was hot within me, and while I was thus pondering the fire kindled, and at the last I spoke with my tongue:

“Lord, let me know my end and the number of my days, that I may learn how short my life is.

Behold, you have made my days as a span in length, and my age is even as nothing before you; and truly, everyone living is but a breath.

For everyone walks about as a shadow, and disquiets himself in vain; he heaps up riches and cannot tell who shall gather them.

And now, Lord, what is my hope? Truly, my hope is in you.

Deliver me from all my offenses, and make me not a taunt of the foolish.

I became mute and opened not my mouth, for it was you that brought it to pass.

Take your affliction from me; I am consumed by the blows of your heavy hand.

When you, with rebukes, chasten someone for sin, you consume what is dear to him, like a moth eating a garment; everyone therefore is but vanity.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and with your ears consider my cry; hold not your peace at my tears.

For I am a stranger with you, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

O turn your gaze from me, that I may again be glad, before I go away to be seen no more.”