Psalm 39

Show Me My Life's End

¹I said, “I will guard my ways

so that I do not sin with my tongue.

I will keep a muzzle on my mouth

as long as the wicked are confronting me.”

²I said nothing. I kept silent.

I did not even say anything good,

but my pain became worse.

³Inside me my heart grew hot.

As I fretted, the fire burned.

So I spoke with my tongue.

⁴Lord , help me understand my end.

What is the limit of my days?

Let me know how fleeting I am.

⁵See, you have cut short my days.[#39:5 Literally made them a few handbreadths . A handbreadth is about three or four inches.]

My brief time before you is like nothing.

Indeed, every person, even at his best,

is just a puff of air. Interlude

⁶A man flickers like a mirage.

He really has no more effect than a breeze.

He piles things up, never knowing who will get them.

⁷But now what do I wait for, Lord?

My hope is in you.

⁸Save me from all my rebellious acts.

Do not let fools scorn me.

⁹I said nothing.

I did not open my mouth,

because you are the one who caused this.

¹⁰Stop punching me.

By the attack of your hand I am finished.

¹¹By your rebuke against guilt you discipline a man.

Like a moth you consume what he desires.

Indeed, every person is nothing but a puff of air. Interlude

¹²Hear my prayer, O Lord .

Listen to my cry.

Do not ignore my tears,

for with you I am an alien,

just a visitor, as were all my ancestors.

¹³Look away from me, so I can smile again

before I depart and am no more.