Psalm 39

The Fleeting Nature of Life

For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm.

1 I said, “I will guard my ways

so that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle

as long as the wicked are in my presence.” j

2 I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified. k

3 My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned. l

I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Lord, reveal to me the end of my life

and the number of my days.

Let me know how short-lived I am. m

5 You, indeed, have made my days short in length,

and my life span as nothing in Your sight.

Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. n * Selah

6 “Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them. o

7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in You. p

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools. q

9 I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what You have done. r

10 Remove Your torment from me;

I fade away because of the force of Your hand. s

11 You discipline a man with punishment for sin,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him; t

every man is only a vapor. u Selah

12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears. v

For I am a foreigner residing with You,

a temporary resident like all my fathers. w

13 Turn Your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.” x