Psalm 39

The Fleeting Nature of Life

For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm.

I said, “I will guard my ways
so that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle
as long as the wicked are in my presence.”(A)
I was speechless and quiet;
I kept silent, even from speaking good,
and my pain intensified.(B)
My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, a fire burned.(C)
I spoke with my tongue:
Lord, reveal to me the end of my life
and the number of my days.
Let me know how short-lived I am.(D)
You, indeed, have made my days short in length,
and my life span as nothing in Your sight.
Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor.(E)Selah

“Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,
gathering possessions
without knowing who will get them.(F)
Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.(G)
Deliver me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the taunt of fools.(H)
I am speechless; I do not open my mouth
because of what You have done.(I)
10 Remove Your torment from me;
I fade away because of the force of Your hand.(J)
11 You discipline a man with punishment for sin,
consuming like a moth what is precious to him;(K)
every man is only a vapor.(L)Selah

12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,
and listen to my cry for help;
do not be silent at my tears.(M)
For I am a foreigner residing with You,
a temporary resident like all my fathers.(N)
13 Turn Your angry gaze from me
so that I may be cheered up
before I die and am gone.”(O)

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