Chapter 38

A just man in remediless persecution resolveth to suffer all with peace and silence: ℣.5 praying God to take him from this world, confessing the vanity thereof, ℣.8 and relying on God's providence (℣.11 who punisheth man for his sins) prayeth for release.

1. 1

   Unto the end, to Idithun himself, a canticle of David. ways, that I offend not in my tongue. I

2. 2

   I have said: I will keep my have set a guard to my mouth, when the sinner stood against me.

3. 3

   I was dumb and humbled, and kept silence from good things: and my sorrow was renewed.

4. 4

   My heart waxed hot within me: & in my meditation a fire shall burn.

5. 5

   I have spoken in my tongue: Lord make mine end known to me. And the number of my days what it is: that I may know what is lacking to me.

6. 6

   Behold thou hast put my days measurable, and my substance is as nothing before thee. Doubtless all things are vanity, every man living.

7. 7

   Surely man passeth as an image, yea and he is troubled in vain. He gathereth treasure, and knoweth not to whom he shall gather them.

8. 8

   And now what is my expectation? Is not our Lord? And my substance is with thee.

9. 9

   From all mine iniquities deliver me: a reproach to the foolish thou hast given me.

10. 10

    I was dumb, and opened not my mouth, because thou didst it:

11. 11

    Remove thy scourges from me.

12. 12

    By the strength of thy hand I have fainted in reprehensions, for iniquity thou hast chastised man. And thou hast made soul pine away as a spider: but vainly is every man troubled.

13. 13

    Hear my prayer, o Lord, and my petition; with thine ears receive my tears. Keep not silence: because I am a stranger with thee, and a pilgrim, as my fathers.

14. 14

    Forgive me, that I may be refreshed before I depart: and shall be no more.