Skip to content

Psalm 39

Dixi, Custodiam

The Book of Common Prayer (1979) · 15 verses

  1. 1

    I said, "I will keep watch upon my ways, *
    so that I do not offend with my tongue.

  2. 2

    I will put a muzzle on my mouth *
    while the wicked are in my presence."

  3. 3

    So I held my tongue and said nothing; *
    I refrained from rash words; but my pain became unbearable.

  4. 4

    My heart was hot within me; while I pondered, the fire burst into flame; *
    I spoke out with my tongue:

  5. 5

    LORD, let me know my end and the number of my days, *
    so that I may know how short my life is.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    We walk about like a shadow, and in vain we are in turmoil; *
    we heap up riches and cannot tell who will gather them.

  8. 8

    And now, what is my hope? *
    O Lord, my hope is in you.

  9. 9

    Deliver me from all my transgressions *
    and do not make me the taunt of the fool.

  10. 10

    I fell silent and did not open my mouth, *
    for surely it was you that did it.

  11. 11

    Take your affliction from me; *
    I am worn down by the blows of your hand.

  12. 12

    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.

  13. 13

    Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; *
    hold not your peace at my tears.

  14. 14

    For I am but a sojourner with you, *
    a wayfarer, as all my forebears were.

  15. 15

    Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again, *
    before I go my way and am no more.

Download Psalm 39 as a PDF

The text of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer is in the public domain in the United States.

All 150 psalms