Psalm 39

The Futility of Life.

For the music director, for *39:0 1 Chr 16:41Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1 I said, "I will keep watch over my ways

So that I do not sin with my tongue;

I will keep watch over my mouth as with a muzzle

While the wicked are in my presence."

2 I was mute *39:2 Lit with silenceand silent,

I *39:2 Lit was silent from goodrefused to say even something good,

And my pain was stirred up.

3 My heart was hot within me,

While I was musing the fire burned;

Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Lord, let me know my end,

And what is the extent of my days;

Let me know how transient I am.

5 "Behold, You have made my days like*39:5 I.e., shorthand widths,

And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;

Certainly all mankind standing is *39:5 Or altogether breatha mere breath. Selah

6 "Certainly every person walks around as *39:6 Lit an imagea fleeting shadow;

They certainly make an uproar for nothing;

He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.

7 "And now, Lord, for what do I wait?

My hope is in You.

8 "Save me from all my wrongdoings;

Do not make me an object of reproach for the foolish.

9 "I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,

Because it is You who have done it.

10 "Remove Your plague from me;

Because of the opposition of Your hand I am *39:10 Or wasting awayperishing.

11 "With rebukes You punish a person for wrongdoing;

You consume like a moth what is precious to him;

Certainly all mankind is mere breath! Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry for help;

Do not be silent to my tears;

For I am a stranger with You,

One who lives abroad, like all my fathers.

13 "Turn Your eyes away from me, that I may become cheerful again

Before I depart and am no more."