Psalm 39

New Coverdale Version

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.”