40 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
40 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
# Chapter 39
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1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do
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and not sin in what I say.
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I will hold my tongue
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when the ungodly are around me.”
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2 But as I stood there in silence—
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not even speaking of good things—
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the turmoil within me grew worse.
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3 The more I thought about it,
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the hotter I got,
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igniting a fire of words:
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4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
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Remind me that my days are numbered—
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how fleeting my life is.
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5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
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My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
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at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
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6 We are merely moving shadows,
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and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
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We heap up wealth,
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not knowing who will spend it.
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7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
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My only hope is in you.
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8 Rescue me from my rebellion.
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Do not let fools mock me.
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9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,
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for my punishment is from you.
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10 But please stop striking me!
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I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
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11 When you discipline us for our sins,
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you consume like a moth what is precious to us.
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Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
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12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!
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Listen to my cries for help!
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Don’t ignore my tears.
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For I am your guest—
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a traveler passing through,
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as my ancestors were before me.
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13 Leave me alone so I can smile again
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before I am gone and exist no more. |