the Week of Proper 2 / Ordinary 7
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Psalms 39
Psalm 39[a]
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I said, "I will watch my ways(a)
and keep my tongue from sin;(b)
I will put a muzzle on my mouth(c)
while in the presence of the wicked."
2 So I remained utterly silent,(d)
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish(e) increased;
3 my heart grew hot(f) within me.
While I meditated,(g) the fire(h) burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 "Show me, Lord, my life's end
and the number of my days;(i)
let me know how fleeting(j) my life is.(k)
5 You have made my days(l) a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,(m)
even those who seem secure.[b]
6 "Surely everyone goes around(n) like a mere phantom;(o)
in vain they rush about,(p) heaping up wealth(q)
without knowing whose it will finally be.(r)
7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.(s)
8 Save me(t) from all my transgressions;(u)
do not make me the scorn(v) of fools.
9 I was silent;(w) I would not open my mouth,(x)
for you are the one who has done this.(y)
10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow(z) of your hand.(aa)
11 When you rebuke(ab) and discipline(ac) anyone for their sin,
you consume(ad) their wealth like a moth(ae)—
surely everyone is but a breath.(af)
12 "Hear my prayer, Lord,
listen to my cry for help;(ag)
do not be deaf(ah) to my weeping.(ai)
I dwell with you as a foreigner,(aj)
a stranger,(ak) as all my ancestors were.(al)
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
before I depart and am no more."(am)
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