Psalms 39:1-5 ▼

1 To the Chief Musician; for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth While the wicked are in my presence.”

2 I was mute and silent [before my enemies], I refrained even from good, And my distress grew worse.

3 My heart was hot within me. While I was musing the fire burned; Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “LORD, let me know my [life’s] end And [to appreciate] the extent of my days; Let me know how frail I am [how transient is my stay here].

5 “Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths, And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]! Selah.