The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#P39a

P39a. I said, I will look to my ways

1 I said, I will look to my ways,
lest with my tongue I sin:
in sight of wicked men my mouth
with bridle I’ll keep in.
2 With silence I as dumb became,
I did myself restrain
even from good; but then the more
increased was my pain.

3 My heart within me waxed hot,
and, while I mused long,
a fire within me kindled was;
then spake I with my tongue.
4 Mine end and measure of my days,
O Lord, unto me show
what is the same; that I thereby
how frail I am may know.

5 Lo, thou my days an handbreadth mad’st;
mine age is nought with thee:
sure each man in his best estate
is wholly vanity.
6 Sure each man walks in a vain show;
they vex themselves in vain:
he heaps up wealth, and doth not know
to whom it shall pertain.

7 And now, O Lord, what wait I for?
My hope is fixed on thee.
8 Free me from all my trespasses,
the fool’s scorn make not me.
9 Dumb was I, opening not my mouth,
because this work is thine.
10 O, take thy stroke away from me;
by thy hand's blow I pine.

11 When with rebukes thou dost correct
man for iniquity,
like moth thou dost his beauty waste:
each man is vanity.
12 Regard my cry, Lord, at my tears
and prayers not silent be:
I sojourn as my fathers all,
and stranger am with thee.

13 O spare thou me, that I my strength
recover may again,
before that hence I do depart,
and here no more remain.

Text Information

• First Line: I said, I will look to my ways
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Scripture:
  Psalm 39

Tune Information

• Name: ST MARY
• Meter: CM
• Key: d minor
• Source: E Prys's Llyfr y Psalmau, 1621