Psalm 39
The Fleeting Nature of Life
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm.
1 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)
2 I was speechless and quiet;
I kept silent, even from speaking good,
and my pain intensified.(B)
3 My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, a fire burned.(C)
I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Lord, reveal to me the end of my life
and the number of my days.
Let me know how short-lived I am.(D)
5 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
6 “Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they frantically 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)
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the taunt of fools.(H)
9 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)
Cross references
- 39:1 : Ps 34:13; Jms 3:5-12
- 39:2 : Jb 40:4; Ps 38:13
- 39:3 : Ps 32:4; Jr 20:9; Lk 24:32
- 39:4 : Ps 78:39; 90:12; 103:14
- 39:5 : Ps 62:9; 89:47; 144:4
- 39:6 : Ps 49:10; Ec 2:18-19; Lk 12:20; 1Co 7:31
- 39:7 : Ps 38:15
- 39:8 : Ps 44:13; 79:4; 119:22
- 39:9 : Ps 39:2
- 39:10 : Jb 9:34; 13:21; Ps 32:4
- 39:11 : Is 50:9
- 39:11 : Ps 39:5
- 39:12 : Ps 35:22
- 39:12 : 1Ch 29:15; Heb 11:13; 1Pt 2:11
- 39:13 : Jb 7:19; 10:20-21; Ps 102:24