Study Desk

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

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."

So I remained utterly silent,^(d) not even saying anything good. But my anguish^(e) increased;

my heart grew hot^(f) within me. While I meditated,^(g) the fire^(h) burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

"Show me, Lord , my life's end and the number of my days;⁽ⁱ⁾ let me know how fleeting^(j) my life is.^(k)

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]

"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)

"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.^(s)

Save me^(t) from all my transgressions;^(u) do not make me the scorn^(v) of fools.

I was silent;^(w) I would not open my mouth,^(x) for you are the one who has done this.^(y)

Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow^(z) of your hand.^(aa)

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)

"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)

Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more."^(am)

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

I waited patiently^(b) for the Lord ; he turned to me and heard my cry.^(c)

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,^(d) out of the mud^(e) and mire;^(f) he set my feet^(g) on a rock^(h) and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song⁽ⁱ⁾ in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord ^(j) and put their trust^(k) in him.

Blessed is the one^(l) who trusts in the Lord ,^(m) who does not look to the proud,⁽ⁿ⁾ to those who turn aside to false gods.^[b](o)

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders^(p) you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare^(q) with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many^(r) to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—^(s) but my ears you have opened^[c]—^(t) burnt offerings^(u) and sin offerings^[d] you did not require.

Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.^[e](v)

I desire to do your will,^(w) my God;^(x) your law is within my heart."^(y)

I proclaim your saving acts^(z) in the great assembly;^(aa) I do not seal my lips, Lord , as you know.^(ab)

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness^(ac) and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.^(ad)

Do not withhold your mercy^(ae) from me, Lord ; may your love^(af) and faithfulness^(ag) always protect^(ah) me.

For troubles^(ai) without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.^(aj) They are more than the hairs of my head,^(ak) and my heart fails^(al) within me.

Be pleased to save me, Lord ; come quickly, Lord , to help me.^(am)

May all who want to take my life^(an) be put to shame and confusion;^(ao) may all who desire my ruin^(ap) be turned back in disgrace.

May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"^(aq) be appalled at their own shame.

But may all who seek you^(ar) rejoice and be glad^(as) in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, "The Lord is great!"^(at)

But as for me, I am poor and needy;^(au) may the Lord think^(av) of me. You are my help^(aw) and my deliverer;^(ax) you are my God, do not delay.^(ay)