Psalm, 39

To the director; of Je·duʹthun.^*1 A melody of David.

¹ I said: “I will guard my step To avoid sinning with my tongue. I will guard my mouth with a muzzle As long as anyone wicked is in my presence.”

² I was speechless and silent; I kept quiet even about what is good, But my pain was intense.^*1

³ My heart smoldered^*1 inside me. As I pondered,^*2 the fire kept burning. Then my tongue spoke:

⁴ “O Jehovah, help me to know what my end will be, And the measure of my days, So that I may know how short my life is.^*1

⁵ Indeed, you have made my days just a few;^*1 And my life span is as nothing before you. Surely every man, though he seems secure, is nothing but a mere breath. (Selah)

⁶ Surely every man walks about like a shadow. He rushes around^*1 for nothing. He piles up wealth, not knowing who will enjoy it.

⁷ What, then, can I hope for, O Jehovah? You are my only hope.

⁸ Save me from all my transgressions. Do not let the foolish one make me an object of contempt.

⁹ I remained speechless; I could not open my mouth, Because this was your doing.

¹⁰ Remove your plague from me. I am worn down because your hand strikes me.

¹¹ You correct man with punishment for his error; You consume the things he treasures just as a moth does. Surely every man is but a mere breath. (Selah)

¹² Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, Listen to my cry for help. Do not ignore my tears. For I am but a foreign resident to you, A traveler passing through,^*1 just like all my forefathers.

¹³ Turn your harsh gaze away from me so that I may cheer up Before I pass away and I am gone.”