Psalms 39
For the music leader. To Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1I promised I would watch my steps so as not to sin with my tongue; promised to keep my mouth shut as long as the wicked were in my presence.2So I was completely quiet, silent. I kept my peace, but it did no good. My pain got worse.
3My heart got hot inside me; while stewing over it, the fire burned. Then I spoke out with my tongue:
4“Let me know my end, LORD.” “How many days do I have left?” “I want to know how brief my time is.”
5You’ve made my days so short; my lifetime is like nothing in your eyes. Yes, a human life is nothing but a puff of air! Selah
6Yes, people wander around like shadows; yes, they hustle and bustle, but pointlessly; they don’t even know who will get the wealth they’ve amassed.
7So now, Lord, what should I be waiting for? My hope is set on you.
8Deliver me from all my sins; don’t make me some foolish person’s joke.
9I am completely silent; I won’t open my mouth because you have acted.
10Get this plague of yours off me! I’m being destroyed by the blows from your fist.
11You discipline people for their sin, punishing them; like a moth, you ruin what they treasure. Yes, a human life is just a puff of air! Selah
12Hear my prayer, LORD! Listen closely to my cry for help! Please don’t ignore my tears! I’m just a foreigner— an immigrant staying with you, just like all my ancestors were.
13Look away from me so I can be happy again before I pass away and am gone.