Psalm 39

Life Is Short

1 I said, “I will be careful how I act and will not sin by what I say.
I will be careful what I say around wicked people.”

2 So I kept very quiet. I didn’t even say anything good, but I became even more upset.

3 I became very angry inside, and as I thought about it, my anger burned. So I spoke:

4 “Lord, tell me when the end will come and how long I will live. Let me know how long I have.

5 You have given me only a short life; my lifetime is like nothing to you. Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah

6 People are like shadows moving about. All their work is for nothing; they collect things but don’t know who will get them.

7 “So, Lord, what hope do I have? You are my hope.

8 Save me from all my sins. Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.

9 I am quiet; I do not open my mouth, because you are the one who has done this.

10 Quit punishing me; your beating is about to kill me.

11 You correct and punish people for their sins; like a moth, you destroy what they love. Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah

12 “Lord, hear my prayer, and listen to my cry. Do not ignore my tears.
I am like a visitor with you. Like my ancestors, I’m only here a short time.
13 Leave me alone so I can be happy before I leave and am no more.”

Psalm 39

1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, While the wicked is before me.

2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; And my sorrow was stirred.

3 My heart was hot within me; While I was musing the fire burned: Then spake I with my tongue:

4 Jehovah, make me to know mine end, And the measure of my days, what it is; Let me know how frail I am.

5 Behold, thou hast made my days as handbreadths; And my life-time is as nothing before thee: Surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity. Selah

6 Surely every man walketh in a vain show; Surely they are disquieted in vain: He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in thee.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: Make me not the reproach of the foolish.

9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; Because thou didst it.

10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thy hand.

11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: Surely every man is vanity. Selah

12 Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, and give ear unto my cry; Hold not thy peace at my tears: For I am a stranger with thee, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, Before I go hence, and be no more.