Psalm 39
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Psalm 39

The Fleeting Nature of Life

For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

I said, “I will guard my ways

so that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle

as long as the wicked are in my presence.”a

2I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.a

3My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.a

I spoke with my tongue:

4“Lord, make me aware of my end

and the number of my days

so that I will know how short-lived I am.a

5In fact, you have made my days just inches long,

and my life span is as nothing to you.

Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor.a

Selah

6Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them.a

7“Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you.a

8Rescue me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools.a

9I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what you have done.a

10Remove your torment from me.

Because of the force of your hand I am finished.a

11You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him;a

yes, every human being is only a vapor.b

Selah

12“Hear my prayer, Lord,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears.a

For I am here with you as an alien,

a temporary resident like all my ancestors.b

13Turn your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.”a





The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
















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