Psalms 39:1-10 ▼

1 I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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