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Psalm 39

The psalmist makes a promise or two
to guard his mouth and his ways
holding his tongue so not to sin
when the wicked presence stays

But finds it so difficult to do
for fighting within is burning fire
causing his distress to grow worse
now he speaks to prove he's no liar

O Lord show me my life's length
show me the shortness of it all
you've made it only a breath or two
so my life is in a long stall

My hope is in the Lord to wait
so from my transgressions deliver me
remove your very heavy hand off
make my prayer's answer to see

Sojourn with you I will continually
despite my tears let me know peace
look away so I can again smile
before my life here will cease

(PSALM 39 (ESV)
I said, “I will guard my ways,
   that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
   so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
I was mute and silent;
   I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
    My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
   then I spoke with my tongue:
“O Lord, make me know my end
   and what is the measure of my days;
   let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
   and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
    Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
   man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
   My hope is in you.
Deliver me from all my transgressions.
   Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
   for it is you who have done it.
Remove your stroke from me;
   I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
When you discipline a man
   with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
   surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
“Hear my prayer, O Lord,
   and give ear to my cry;
   hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
   a guest, like all my fathers.
Look away from me, that I may smile again,
   before I depart and am no more!”)

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