For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David.
39:1 I decided, 2 “I will watch what I say
and make sure I do not sin with my tongue. 3
I will put a muzzle over my mouth
while in the presence of an evil man.” 4
39:2 I was stone silent; 5
I held back the urge to speak. 6
My frustration grew; 7
39:3 my anxiety intensified. 8
As I thought about it, I became impatient. 9
Finally I spoke these words: 10
39:4 “O Lord, help me understand my mortality
and the brevity of life! 11
Let me realize how quickly my life will pass! 12
39:5 Look, you make my days short-lived, 13
and my life span is nothing from your perspective. 14
Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor. 15
39:6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts. 16
Surely they accumulate worthless wealth
without knowing who will eventually haul it away.” 17
39:7 But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying?
You are my only hope! 18
39:8 Deliver me from all my sins of rebellion!
Do not make me the object of fools’ insults!
39:9 I am silent and cannot open my mouth
because of what you have done. 19
39:10 Please stop wounding me! 20
You have almost beaten me to death! 21
39:11 You severely discipline people for their sins; 22
like a moth you slowly devour their strength. 23
Surely all people are a mere vapor. (Selah)
39:12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!
Listen to my cry for help!
Do not ignore my sobbing! 24
For I am dependent on you, like one residing outside his native land;
I am at your mercy, just as all my ancestors were. 25
39:13 Turn your angry gaze away from me, so I can be happy
before I pass away. 26