Add parallel Print Page Options

Psalm 39

Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness

To the leader: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

I said, “I will guard my ways
    that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will keep a muzzle on my mouth
    as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
I was silent and still;
    I held my peace to no avail;
my distress grew worse,
    my heart became hot within me.
While I mused, the fire burned;
    then I spoke with my tongue:

Lord, let me know my end,
    and what is the measure of my days;
    let me know how fleeting my life is.
You have made my days a few handbreadths,
    and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight.
Surely everyone stands as a mere breath.Selah
    Surely everyone goes about like a shadow.
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
    they heap up, and do not know who will gather.

“And now, O Lord, what do I wait for?
    My hope is in you.
Deliver me from all my transgressions.
    Do not make me the scorn of the fool.
I am silent; I do not open my mouth,
    for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me;
    I am worn down by the blows[a] of your hand.

11 “You chastise mortals
    in punishment for sin,
consuming like a moth what is dear to them;
    surely everyone is a mere breath.Selah

12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord,
    and give ear to my cry;
    do not hold your peace at my tears.
For I am your passing guest,
    an alien, like all my forebears.
13 Turn your gaze away from me, that I may smile again,
    before I depart and am no more.”

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 39:10 Heb hostility

Bible Gateway Recommends

NRSV Catholic Prayer Bible Lectio Divina Edition
NRSV Catholic Prayer Bible Lectio Divina Edition
Retail: $29.95
Our Price: $26.96
Save: $2.99 (10%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
NRSV Catholic Edition Bible, Royal Poinciana--hardcover
NRSV Catholic Edition Bible, Royal Poinciana--hardcover
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $10.00 (33%)
NRSV Catholic Edition Bible, Magnolia--Softcover
NRSV Catholic Edition Bible, Magnolia--Softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $16.99
Save: $8.00 (32%)
NRSV Catholic Women's Devotional Bible, Softcover
NRSV Catholic Women's Devotional Bible, Softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $9.00 (36%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars