Author: J. H. Hymnal: The Whole Book of Psalms #XXXIX (1790) Lyrics: 1 I said, I will look to my ways,
for fear I should go wrong,
I will take heed all times, that I
offend not with my tongue;
2 As with a bit I will keep fast
my mouth with force and might,
Not once to whisper all the while
the wicked are in sight.
3 I held my tongue and spake no word,
but kept me close and still,
Yea, from good talk I did refrain,
but sore against my will.
4 My heart grew hot within my breast
with musing, thought and doubt,
Which did increase and stir the fire,
at last these words burst out;
5 Lord, number out my life and days,
which yet I have not past;
So that I may be certify'd
how long my life shall last.
6 For thou hast pointed out my life
in length much like a span;
My age is nothing unto thee,
so vain is every man!
7 Man walketh like a shade, and doth
in vain himself annoy
In getting goods, and cannot tell
who shall the same enjoy.
8 Therefore, O Lord, what wait I for?
what help do I desire?
Truly my hope is ev'n in thee,
I nothing else require.
The Second Part
9 From all the sins that I have done,
Lord, quit me out of hand,
And make me not a scorn to fools,
that nothing understand.
10 I was so dumb, that to complain
no trouble could me move,
Because I knew it was thy work
my patience for to prove.
11 Lord, take from me thy scourge and plague,
I cannot them withstand,
I faint and pine away for fear
of thy most heavy hand.
12 When thou for sin dost man rebuke,
he waxeth pale and wan,
As doth a cloth that moths have fret;
so vain a thing is man!
13 Lord, hear my suit, and give good heed,
regard my tears that fall:
I sojourn like a stranger here,
as did my fathers all.
14 O spare a little, give me space
my strength for to restore,
Before I go away from hence,
and shall be seen no more. Scripture: Psalm 39 Languages: English
I said, I will look to my ways
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