Psalms 39

The Brevity of Human Life

For the music director. For Jeduthun.*One of David’s musicians (1 Chr 16:41) A psalm of David.*The Hebrew Bible counts the superscription as the first verse of the psalm; the English verse number is reduced by one

1 I said, "I will guard my ways

that I may not sin*Literally "from sinning" with my tongue.

I will keep a muzzle over my mouth

as long as the wicked are before me."

2 I was mute with silence. I was silent even from saying good things,

and my pain was stirred up.

3 My heart grew hot inside me;

in my sighing a fire burned.

Then I spoke with my tongue,

4 "Let me know, O Yahweh, my end,

and what is the measure of my days.

Let me know how transient I am."

5 Look, you have made my days mere handbreadths,

and my lifespan as nothing next to you.

Surely every person standing firm is complete vanity. Selah

6 Surely a man walks about as a mere shadow;*Literally "image"

surely in vain they bustle about.

He heaps up possessions but does not know who will gather them in.

7 And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?

My hope is for you.

8 From all my transgressions deliver me;

do not make me the taunt of the fool.

9 I am mute. I do not open my mouth,

for you, yourself, have done it.

10 Remove from me your affliction.

By the opposition of your hand I perish.

11 When with rebukes you chastise a man for sin,

you*Hebrew "and/then you" consume*Literally "cause to melt" like a moth his delightful things.

Surely everyone is a mere vapor.*The word translated "vanity" in vv. 6, 7Selah

12 Hear my prayer, O Yahweh, and listen to my cry for help;

do not be deaf to my tears.

For I am an alien*Or "stranger" with you,

a sojourner like all my ancestors.*Or "fathers"

13 Look away from me that I may be cheerful,

before I depart and I am no more.