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!”)