Keep me away from debates
For how can I understand You?
How can I comprehend Your ways?
How can I truly know when You call?
I have no knowledge on my lips
No wisdom lingers in my mind
I admit my foolishness
No great testimony exists on my lips
I comprehend nothing
My brethren have it all down
While My understanding is nil
I silence my lips because my mind has no knowledge
My heart has stopped beating
I feel neither joy nor pain
My soul is vexed within me
Why, O God, have I become so ignorant
I strive for knowledge but have it not
I am surrounded by the wise
They look down on me
They despise my prayers
My explanations are laughed at
My testimony is mocked
They ask questions to entrap me
Riddles to ensnare me
My soul finds no comfort in their meaningless words
Their deep discussions satisfy me like empty flasks
But You are faithful
You are the Holy Waters, the Living Stream
In the quiet place, I find comfort
My comfort is You alone
I place no faith in the fellowship of men
Their words are frail and wisdom without understanding
Every breath they take is flattery – every proverb a lie
They boast of their righteousness
Of their godliness they prance and parade
I want no part of them, those who boast in their prayers
Those who speak of divinity and demonism in the same breath
Arise, O God
Defend me from the self-righteous
My righteousness is found only in You
My justification is in my repentant heart
For I know my sin
My transgressions are before me
Wash my iniquity away
Take away my many stains
Then my strength will return
Then You will restore my soul
Forgive me for my unclean lips
For my impure hands
I have been sinful from birth
But Your grace covers me