Psalm 39
Dixi, Custodiam
The Book of Common Prayer (1979) · 15 verses
- 1
I said, "I will keep watch upon my ways, *
so that I do not offend with my tongue. - 2
I will put a muzzle on my mouth *
while the wicked are in my presence." - 3
So I held my tongue and said nothing; *
I refrained from rash words; but my pain became unbearable. - 4
My heart was hot within me; while I pondered, the fire burst into flame; *
I spoke out with my tongue: - 5
LORD, let me know my end and the number of my days, *
so that I may know how short my life is. - 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
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
And now, what is my hope? *
O Lord, my hope is in you. - 9
Deliver me from all my transgressions *
and do not make me the taunt of the fool. - 10
I fell silent and did not open my mouth, *
for surely it was you that did it. - 11
Take your affliction from me; *
I am worn down by the blows of your hand. - 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
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; *
hold not your peace at my tears. - 14
For I am but a sojourner with you, *
a wayfarer, as all my forebears were. - 15
Turn your gaze from me, that I may be glad again, *
before I go my way and am no more.
The text of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer is in the public domain in the United States.