Psalms 39

1 For Jeduthun, the music director. A psalm of David. I told myself, “I will be careful in what I do, and not sin in what I say. I will keep my mouth shut when the wicked are around.”

“A psalm of David. For the leader of the music of the Jeduthunites.” I said, I will take heed to my ways, That I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep my mouth with a bridle, While the wicked is before me.

2 So I was completely silent—I didn't even say anything good. But the pain inside only got worse.

I was dumb with silence; I spake not even what was good; But my pain was increased.

3 My mind burned as if on fire; I had to say what I was thinking:

My heart was hot within me; In my anguish the fire burst forth, And I spake with my tongue:

4 Lord, remind me. How short is my life? How long do I have? Remind me how quickly my life will pass.

LORD, make me to know mine end, And the number of my days, That I may know how frail I am!

5 Just look at the tiny amount of days you have given me! In your eyes my whole lifetime is like nothing. Our lives here are just a breath… (Selah)

Behold, thou hast made my days as a hand-breadth, And my life is as nothing before thee; Yea, every man in his firmest state is altogether vanity. (Pause)

6 Human beings are just shadows walking around. They pointlessly rush through life, trying to pile up possessions without knowing who will get them.

Surely every man walketh in a vain show; Surely he disquieteth himself in vain; He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

7 So Lord, what am I looking for? I put my hope in you.

What, then, O Lord! is my hope? My hope is in thee!

8 Save me from my rebellion. Don't let me be mocked by fools.

Deliver me from all my transgressions; Let me not be the reproach of scoffers!

9 I will stay quiet, I won't say a word, for it's you who has done this to me.

Yet I am dumb; I open not my mouth; For thou hast done it!

10 Please stop hitting me! Your beating has worn me out!

But remove from me thine infliction; For I am perishing by the blow of thine hand.

11 When you discipline us, reprimanding us for our sins, it's like a moth eating up what is precious to us. All of us are just a breath… (Selah)

When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for iniquity, Thou causest his glory to waste away like a moth! Surely every man is vanity.

12 Please hear my prayer, Lord! Listen to my cry for help! Don't be deaf to my weeping. Please treat me as your guest, passing through, just like my forefathers.

Hear my prayer, O LORD! Give ear to my cry; Be not silent at my tears! For I am but a stranger with thee, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

13 Please leave me alone so I can be cheerful again, before I am dead and gone.

O spare me, that I may recover strength, Before I go away, and be no more!