Psalms 39:1-10 ▼

1 For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David. I decided, |I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue. I will put a muzzle over my mouth while in the presence of an evil man.|

2 I was stone silent; I held back the urge to speak. My frustration grew;

3 my anxiety intensified. As I thought about it, I became impatient. Finally I spoke these words:

4 O LORD, help me understand my mortality and the brevity of life! Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!

5 Look, you make my days short-lived, and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.

6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts. Surely they accumulate worthless wealth without knowing who will eventually haul it away.|

7 But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying? You are my only hope!

8 Deliver me from all my sins of rebellion! Do not make me the object of fools' insults!

9 I am silent and cannot open my mouth because of what you have done.

10 Please stop wounding me! You have almost beaten me to death!