Psalms 39

The Fleeting Nature of Life

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

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."  * 39:1 Ps 34:13; Jms 3:5–12

2 I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.  * 39:2 Jb 40:4; Ps 38:13

3 My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.  * 39:3 Ps 32:4; Jr 20:9; Lk 24:32

I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Lord, make me aware of my end

and the number of my days

so that I will know how short-lived I am.  * 39:4 Ps 78:39; 90:12; 103:14

5 In fact, you have made my days just inches long,

and my life span is as nothing to you.

Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor.  * 39:5 Ps 62:9; 89:47; 144:4Selah

6 Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them.  * 39:6 Ps 49:10; Ec 2:18–19; Lk 12:20; 1Co 7:31

7 "Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you.  * 39:7 Ps 38:15

8 Rescue me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools.  * 39:8 Ps 44:13; 79:4; 119:22

9 I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what you have done.  * 39:9 Ps 39:2

10 Remove your torment from me.

Because of the force of your hand I am finished.  * 39:10 Jb 9:34; 13:21; Ps 32:4

11 You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him;  * 39:11 Is 50:9

yes, every human being is only a vapor.  * 39:11 Ps 39:5Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, Lord,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears.  * 39:12 Ps 35:22

For I am here with you as an alien,

a temporary resident like all my ancestors.  * 39:12 1Ch 29:15; Heb 11:13; 1Pt 2:11

13 Turn your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone."  * 39:13 Jb 7:19; 10:20–21; Ps 102:24