PSALM 39 C.M. [Sing Psalms]

Recommended Tunes: 117 Wigtown, 46 Culross, 123 Kinlochewe, 96 St Mary

1  I said, “Now let me watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin.
I’ll put a muzzle on my mouth
while I’m with wicked men.”

2  When I was silent and kept still
and firmly held my peace,
Not speaking even what was good,
this made my pain increase.

3  Because of this my heart grew hot;
the fire burned strong indeed
The more I mused upon it all.
Then I began to plead:

4  “LORD, show me that my life will end—
how many days I’ll see—
And cause me, LORD, to understand
how brief my life will be.

5  “O LORD, how short you make my days
before I sink in death.
My years are nothing in your sight;
man’s life is but a breath.

6  “Like shadows people go about;
they bustle to and fro.
They heap up wealth, but do not know
to whom their wealth will go.

7  “But now, what do I look for, LORD?
My hope is set on you.
8  From my transgressions rescue me
lest fools in scorn pursue.

9  “I held my peace and would not speak,
for you did this, I know.
10  Remove your scourge from me; your hand
has struck and laid me low.

11  “For you rebuke and punish men
for their iniquity.
You, like a moth, consume their wealth;
each man is vanity.

12  “O LORD, please listen to my prayer
and hear my cry for aid;
Do not be deaf to the appeal
which I with tears have made.

“For as your guest I stay a while.
I’m like my fathers all—
A stranger and a pilgrim here.
Have mercy when I call.

13  “O turn away your eyes from me.
Let me rejoice again
Before I finally depart
and here no more remain.”