Psalms 38
1For the end, a Song of David, to Jeduthun. 1
2I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: 1 I set a guard on my mouth, 1 While the sinner stood in my presence. 1
3I was dumb, and humbled myself, and kept silence from good words; 1 And my grief was renewed. 1
4My heart grew hot within me, 1 And a fire would kindle in my meditation: 1 I spoke with my tongue, 1
5O Lord, make me to know mine end, 1 And the number of my days, what it is; 1 That I may know what I lack. 1
6Behold, thou hast made my days old; 1 And my existence is as nothing before thee: 1 Nay, every man living is altogether vanity. Pause. 1
7Surely man walks in a shadow; 1 Nay, he is disquieted in vain: 1 He lays up treasures, and knows not for whom he shall gather them. 1
8And now what is my expectation? is it not the Lord? 1 And my ground of hope is with thee. Pause. 1
9Deliver me from all my transgressions: 1 Thou hast made me a reproach to the foolish. 1
10I was dumb, and opened not my mouth; for thou art he that made me. 1
11Remove thy scourges from me: 1 I have fainted by reason of the strength of thy hand. 1
12Thou chastenest man with rebukes for iniquity, 1 And thou makest his life to consume away like a spider’s web: 1 Nay, every man is disquieted in vain. Pause. 1
13O Lord, hearken to my prayer and my supplication: 1 Attend to my tears: be not silent, 1 For I am a sojourner in the land, 1 And a stranger, as all my fathers were. 1
14Spare me, that I may be refreshed, 1 Before I depart, and be no more.