Psalm 39a

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

1 I said, “I will watch my waysp

and keep my tongue from sin;q

I will put a muzzle on my mouthr

while in the presence of the wicked.”

2 So I remained utterly silent,s

not even saying anything good.

But my anguisht increased;

3 my heart grew hotu within me.

While I meditated,v the firew burned;

then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end

and the number of my days;x

let me know how fleetingy my life is.z

5 You have made my daysa a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,b

even those who seem secure.b

6 “Surely everyone goes aroundc like a mere phantom;d

in vain they rush about,e heaping up wealthf

without knowing whose it will finally be.g

7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?

My hope is in you.h

8 Save mei from all my transgressions;j

do not make me the scornk of fools.

9 I was silent;l I would not open my mouth,m

for you are the one who has done this.n

10 Remove your scourge from me;

I am overcome by the blowo of your hand.p

11 When you rebukeq and discipliner anyone for their sin,

you consumes their wealth like a motht—

surely everyone is but a breath.u

12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,

listen to my cry for help;v

do not be deafw to my weeping.x

I dwell with you as a foreigner,y

a stranger,z as all my ancestors were.a

13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again

before I depart and am no more.”b