Psalm 39

International Children’s Bible

Life Is Short

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A song of David.

39 I said, “I will be careful how I act.
    I will not sin by what I say.
I will be careful what I say
    around wicked people.”
²So I kept very quiet.
    I didn’t even say anything good.
    But I became even more upset.
³I became very angry inside.
    And the more I thought about it, the angrier I became.
    So I spoke:
⁴“Lord, tell me when the end will come.
    How long will I live?
    Let me know how long I have.
⁵You have given me only a short life.
    My lifetime is like nothing to you.
    Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah
⁶A person is like a shadow moving about.
    All his work is for nothing.
    He collects things, but he doesn’t know who will get them.

⁷“So, Lord, what hope do I have?
    You are my hope.
⁸Save me from all my sins.
    Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.
⁹I am quiet. I do not open my mouth.
    You are the one who has done this.
¹⁰Quit punishing me.
    Your beating is about to kill me.
¹¹You 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.
    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.
¹³Leave me alone so I can be happy.
    Soon I will leave and be no more.”