THE *BOOK OF
PSALMS.
Psalm 39 ©
David, being resolved not to trespass in deed or word about the prosperity of the wicked or his own misery either, he confesses nevertheless that he was fallen in human frailty; yet having considered himself better, and being observant to the vanity of man and of his life, he puts his hope in God, Whom he prays for the forgiveness of his sins and favor in his pilgrimage and sufferings.
To the 1chief Musician, even to 2Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.
I SAID, I will take heed to 3my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a 4bridle, while the wicked is before me.
I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from 5good; and my sorrow was 6stirred.
My heart was hot within me, while I was 7musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
LORD, 8make me to know mine end, and the 9measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how 10frail I am.
Behold, thou hast made my days as 11an handbreadth;a and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his 12best state is 13altogether vanity.b14Selah.
Surely every 15man walketh in a vain 16shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up 17riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the 18foolish.
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because 19thou didst it.
Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the 20blow of thine hand.
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his 21beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; 22hold not thy peace at my tears: for Icam a 23stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my 24fathers were.
O 25spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be 26no more.