Psalm 39 Wednesday
Readings 2
I said, “I will watch my
steps, * lest I stumble with my tongue.
I will keep a muzzle on my
mouth, * while the wicked man is laughing at me.”
I was muzzled to total
silence; * I refrained from speaking, * while my anguish mounted.
My heart burned within me; *
at the thought, a fire flared up.
I spoke with my tongue: *
“Yahweh, teach me my destiny,
and what is my span of days,
* that I may know how frail I am.”
Look, you have measured my
days by a few handbreadths; * my lifetime is like nothing before you.
Sadly, everyone is but vapor, * everyone just a mask.
Sadly, like a phantom does man go about; * sadly, he gets excited
for nothing.
He piles up wealth * not knowing who will gather it.
And now, Lord, what shall I cry? * My hope is in you.
From all my rebelliousness deliver me; * make me not the
taunt of a fool.
I was muzzled, didn't open my mouth; * oh that you would act!
Take away from me your blow; * by the club in your hand I am
knocked out.
With rebukes for his guilt you punish a man, * and you consume
his body like a moth; * too bad, everyone is but vapor.
Hear my prayer, Yahweh; * El,
listen to my cry.
Don't be deaf to my tears, * for I am a guest in your house, * a
visitor like all my ancestors.
Stop glaring at me that Is
may be glad, * before I depart and am no more.