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

For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David.

1 I decided, “I will watch what I say
and make sure I do not sin with my tongue.
I will put a muzzle over my mouth
while in the presence of an evil man.”

2 I was stone silent;
I held back the urge to speak.
My frustration grew;

3 my anxiety intensified.
As I thought about it, I became impatient.
Finally I spoke these words:

4 “O Lord, help me understand my mortality
and the brevity of life!
Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!

5 Look, you make my days short-lived,
and my life span is nothing from your perspective.
Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.

6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts.
Surely they accumulate worthless wealth
without knowing who will eventually haul it away.”

7 But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying?
You are my only hope!

8 Deliver me from all my sins of rebellion!
Do not make me the object of fools’ insults!

9 I am silent and cannot open my mouth
because of what you have done.

10 Please stop wounding me!
You have almost beaten me to death!

11 You severely discipline people for their sins;
like a moth you slowly devour their strength.
Surely all people are a mere vapor. (Selah)

12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!
Listen to my cry for help!
Do not ignore my sobbing!
For I am dependent on you, like one residing outside his native land;
I am at your mercy, just as all my ancestors were.

13 Turn your angry gaze away from me, so I can be happy
before I pass away.