Psalms 39

The Fleeting Nature of Life

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.”

²I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.

³My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.

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.

⁵You, 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. 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.

⁷Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in You.

⁸Deliver me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools.

⁹I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what You have done.

¹⁰Remove Your torment from me;

I fade away because of the force of Your hand.

¹¹You discipline a man with punishment for sin,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him;

every man is only a vapor. Selah

¹²“Hear my prayer, Lord ,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears.

For I am a foreigner residing with You,

a temporary resident like all my fathers.

¹³Turn Your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.”