Psalms 39

¹I said, “I will be careful how I act.

I will not sin by what I say.

I will be careful what I say

around wicked people.”

²So I kept very quiet.

I didn’t even say anything good.

But I became even more upset.

³I became very angry inside.

And the more I thought about it, the angrier I became.

So I spoke:

⁴“Lord, tell me when the end will come.

How long will I live?

Let me know how long I have.

⁵You have given me only a short life.

My lifetime is like nothing to you.

Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah

⁶A person is like a shadow moving about.

All his work is for nothing.

He collects things, but he doesn’t know who will get them.

⁷“So, Lord, what hope do I have?

You are my hope.

⁸Save me from all my sins.

Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.

⁹I am quiet. I do not open my mouth.

You are the one who has done this.

¹⁰Quit punishing me.

Your beating is about to kill me.

¹¹You correct and punish people for their sins.

Like a moth, you destroy what they love.

Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah

¹²“Lord, hear my prayer.

Listen to my cry.

Do not ignore my tears.

I am like a visitor with you.

Like my ancestors, I’m only here a short time.

¹³Leave me alone so I can be happy.

Soon I will leave and be no more.”