Psalms 39
Psalm 391
For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David.
39:1 I decided,2 “I will watch what I say
and make sure I do not sin with my tongue.3
I will put a muzzle over my mouth
while in the presence of an evil man.”4
39:2 I was stone silent;5
I held back the urge to speak.6
My frustration grew;7
39:3 my anxiety intensified.8
As I thought about it, I became impatient.9
Finally I spoke these words:10
39:4 “O Lord, help me understand my mortality
and the brevity of life!11
Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!12
39:5 Look, you make my days short-lived,13
and my life span is nothing from your perspective.14
Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.15
39:6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts.16
Surely they accumulate worthless wealth
without knowing who will eventually haul it away.”17
39:7 But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying?
You are my only hope!18
39:8 Deliver me from all my sins of rebellion!
Do not make me the object of fools’ insults!
39:9 I am silent and cannot open my mouth
because of what you have done.19
39:10 Please stop wounding me!20
You have almost beaten me to death!21
39:11 You severely discipline people for their sins;22
like a moth you slowly devour their strength.23
Surely all people are a mere vapor. (Selah)
Listen to my cry for help!
Do not ignore my sobbing!24
For I am dependent on you, like one residing outside his native land;
I am at your mercy, just as all my ancestors were.25
39:13 Turn your angry gaze away from me, so I can be happy
before I pass away.26