Psalms 39:5-13 ▼

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.

6 “Surely every man walks around like a shadow [in a charade]; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; Each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them.

7 “And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope [my confident expectation] is in You.

8 “Save me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the scorn and reproach of the [self-righteous, arrogant] fool.

9 “I am mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who has done it.

10 “Remove Your plague from me; I am wasting away because of the conflict and opposition of Your hand.

11 “With rebukes You discipline man for sin; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]. Selah.

12 “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and listen to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am Your temporary guest, A sojourner like all my fathers.

13 “O look away from me, that I may smile and again know joy Before I depart and am no more.”