Psalm 39

Psalm 39

1. For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David. 1 1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do 1 and not sin in what I say. 1 I will hold my tongue 1 when the ungodly are around me.”

2. But as I stood there in silence— 2 not even speaking of good things— 2 the turmoil within me grew worse.

3. The more I thought about it, 3 the hotter I got, 3 igniting a fire of words:

4. “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. 4 Remind me that my days are numbered— 4 how fleeting my life is.

5. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. 5 My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; 5 at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude

6. We are merely moving shadows, 6 and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. 6 We heap up wealth, 6 not knowing who will spend it.

7. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? 7 My only hope is in you.

8. Rescue me from my rebellion. 8 Do not let fools mock me.

9. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, 9 for my punishment is from you.

10. But please stop striking me! 10 I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.

11. When you discipline us for our sins, 11 you consume like a moth what is precious to us. 11 Each of us is but a breath. Interlude

12. Hear my prayer, O Lord! 12 Listen to my cries for help! 12 Don’t ignore my tears. 12 For I am your guest— 12 a traveler passing through, 12 as my ancestors were before me.

13. Leave me alone so I can smile again 13 before I am gone and exist no more.