Psalm 39

I said, "I will keep watch upon my ways,

so that I do not offend with my tongue.

I will put a muzzle on my mouth

while the wicked are in my presence."

So I held my tongue and said nothing;

I refrained from rash words; but my pain became unbearable.

My heart was hot within me; while I pondered, the fire burst into flame;

I spoke out with my tongue:

LORD , let me know my end and the number of my days,

so that I may know how short my life is.

You have given me a mere handful of days, and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight;

truly, even those who stand erect are but a puff of wind.

We walk about like a shadow, and in vain we are in turmoil;

we heap up riches and cannot tell who will gather them.

And now, what is my hope?

O Lord, my hope is in you.

Deliver me from all my transgressions

and do not make me the taunt of the fool.

I fell silent and did not open my mouth,

for surely it was you that did it.

Take your affliction from me;

I am worn down by the blows of your hand.

With rebukes for sin you punish us; like a moth you eat away all that is dear to us;

truly, everyone is but a puff of wind.

Hear my prayer, O LORD , and give ear to my cry;

hold not your peace at my tears.

For I am but a sojourner with you,

a wayfarer, as all my forebears were.

Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again,

before I go my way and am no more.