You Say It Best When You Say Nothing At All

Psalm 39

1 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.”

2 I was mute and silent;

  I held my peace to no avail,

and my distress grew worse.

3  My heart became hot within me.

As I mused, the fire burned;

  then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “O Lord, make me know my end

  and what is the measure of my days;

  let me know how fleeting I am!

5 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

6  Surely a man goes about as a shadow!

Surely for nothing[a] they are in turmoil;

  man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?

  My hope is in you.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.

  Do not make me the scorn of the fool!

9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth,

  for it is you who have done it.

10 Remove your stroke from me;

  I am spent by the hostility of your hand.

11 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

12 “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.

13 Look away from me, that I may smile again,

  before I depart and am no more!”