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