Psalm 39:title–12

Life Is Short

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

39I said, “I will be careful how I act

and will not sin by what I say.

I will be careful what I say

around wicked people.”

²So I kept very quiet.

I didn’t even say anything good,

but I became even more upset.

³I became very angry inside,

and as I thought about it, my anger burned.

So I spoke:

⁴“Lord, tell me when the end will come

and how long I will live.

Let me know how long I have.

⁵You have given me only a short life;

my lifetime is like nothing to you.

Everyone’s life is only a breath.

Selah

⁶People are like shadows moving about.

All their work is for nothing;

they collect things but don’t know who will get them.

⁷“So, Lord, what hope do I have?

You are my hope.

⁸Save me from all my sins.

Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.

⁹I am quiet; I do not open my mouth,

because you are the one who has done this.

¹⁰Quit punishing me;

your beating is about to kill me.

¹¹You correct and punish people for their sins;

like a moth, you destroy what they love.

Everyone’s life is only a breath.

Selah

¹²“Lord, hear my prayer,

and listen to my cry.

Do not ignore my tears.

I am like a visitor with you.

Like my ancestors, I’m only here a short time.