Psalm 39

For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do

and not sin in what I say.

I will hold my tongue

when the ungodly are around me.”

2 But as I stood there in silence—

not even speaking of good things—

the turmoil within me grew worse.

3 The more I thought about it,

the hotter I got,

igniting a fire of words:

4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.

Remind me that my days are numbered—

how fleeting my life is.

5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.

My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;

at best, each of us is but a breath.”

Interlude

6 We are merely moving shadows,

and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.

We heap up wealth,

not knowing who will spend it.

7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?

My only hope is in you.

8 Rescue me from my rebellion.

Do not let fools mock me.

9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,

for my punishment is from you.

10 But please stop striking me!

I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.

11 When you discipline us for our sins,

you consume like a moth what is precious to us.

Each of us is but a breath.

Interlude

12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!

Listen to my cries for help!

Don’t ignore my tears.

For I am your guest—

a traveler passing through,

as my ancestors were before me.

13 Leave me alone so I can smile again

before I am gone and exist no more.