Psalm 39

Psalm 39

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

1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do
and not sin in what I say.
I will hold my tongue
when the ungodly are around me.”2 But as I stood there in silence—
not even speaking of good things—
the turmoil within me grew worse.3 The more I thought about it,
the hotter I got,
igniting a fire of words:4 “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is.5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.”
Interlude6 We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.8 Rescue me from my rebellion.
Do not let fools mock me.9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,
for my punishment is from you.10 But please stop striking me!
I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.11 When you discipline us for our sins,
you consume like a moth what is precious to us.
Each of us is but a breath.
Interlude12 Hear my prayer, O LORD!
Listen to my cries for help!
Don’t ignore my tears.
For I am your guest—
a traveler passing through,
as my ancestors were before me.13 Leave me alone so I can smile again
before I am gone and exist no more.

PSALMS 39

A Prayer for Forgiveness

1 I told myself, “I'll be careful
not to sin by what I say,
and I'll muzzle my mouth
when evil people are near.”

2 I kept completely silent,
but it did no good, t
and I hurt even worse.

3 I felt a fire burning inside,
and the more I thought,
the more it burned,
until at last I said:

4 “Please, [Lord],
show me my future.
Will I soon be gone?

5 You made my life short,
so brief that the time
means nothing to you.
“Human life is but a breath,

6 and it disappears
like a shadow.
Our struggles are senseless;
we store up more and more,
without ever knowing
who will get it all.

7 “What am I waiting for?
I depend on you, Lord!

8 Save me from my sins.
Don't let fools sneer at me.

9 You treated me like this,
and I kept silent,
not saying a word.

10 “Won't you stop punishing me?
You have worn me down.

11 You punish us severely
because of our sins.
Like a moth, you destroy
what we treasure most.
We are as frail as a breath.

12 “Listen, [Lord], to my prayer!
My eyes are flooded with tears,
as I pray to you.
I am merely a stranger
visiting in your home
as my ancestors did.

13 Stop being angry with me
and let me smile again
before I am dead and gone.”