Psalm 39: I said, I will look to my ways

Verse 1

I said, I will look to my ways, lest with my tongue I sin: In sight of wicked men my mouth with bridle I'll keep in.

Verse 2

With silence I as dumb became, I did myself restrain From speaking good; but then the more increasèd was my pain.

Verse 3

My heart within me waxèd hot; and, while I musing was, The fire did burn; and from my tongue these words I did let pass:

Verse 4

Mine end, and measure of my days, O Lord, unto me show What is the same; that I thereby my frailty well may know.

Verse 5

Lo, thou my days an handbreadth mad'st; mine age is in thine eye As nothing: sure each man at best is wholly vanity.

Verse 6

Sure each man walks in a vain show; they vex themselves in vain: He heaps up wealth, and doth not know to whom it shall pertain.

Verse 7

And now, O Lord, what wait I for? my hope is fixed on thee.

Verse 8

Free me from all my trespasses, the fool's scorn make not me.

Verse 9

Dumb was I, op'ning not my mouth, because this work was thine.

Verse 10

Thy stroke take from me; by the blow of thine hand I do pine.

Verse 11

When with rebukes thou dost correct man for iniquity, Thou wastes his beauty like a moth: sure each man's vanity.

Verse 12

Attend my cry, Lord, at my tears and pray'rs not silent be: I sojourn as my fathers all, and stranger am with thee.

Verse 13

O spare thou me, that I my strength recover may again, Before from hence I do depart, and here no more remain.