Psalm 39

The Fleeting Nature of Life

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

¹I 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

²I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified. ^b

³My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned. ^c

I spoke with my tongue:

⁴“Lord, make me aware of my end

and the number of my days

so that I will know how short-lived I am. ^d

⁵In fact, you have made my days just inches long,

and my life span is as nothing to you.

Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor. ^e Selah

⁶Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them. ^f

⁷“Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you. ^g

⁸Rescue me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools. ^h

⁹I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what you have done. ⁱ

¹⁰Remove your torment from me.

Because of the force of your hand I am finished. ^j

¹¹You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him; ^k

yes, every human being 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 here with you as an alien,

a temporary resident like all my ancestors. ⁿ

¹³Turn your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.” ^o