Psalms 39

Psalm 39

The Vanity of Life.

1I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth While the wicked are in my presence.”

2I was mute and silent [before my enemies], I refrained even from good, And my distress grew worse.

3My heart was hot within me. While I was musing the fire burned; Then I spoke with my tongue:

4“Lord, let me know my [life’s] end And [to appreciate] the extent of my days; Let me know how frail I am [how transient is my stay here].

5Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths, And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]! Selah.

6Surely every man walks around like a shadow [in a charade]; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; Each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them.

7“And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope [my confident expectation] is in You.

8Save me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the scorn and reproach of the [self-righteous, arrogant] fool.

9I am mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who has done it.

10Remove Your plague from me; I am wasting away because of the conflict and opposition of Your hand.

11With rebukes You discipline man for sin; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]. Selah.

12“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and listen to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am Your temporary guest, A sojourner like all my fathers.

13O look away from me, that I may smile and again know joy Before I depart and am no more.”