Psalms 39

1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

For Jeduthun, the music director. A psalm of David. I told myself, “I will be careful in what I do, and not sin in what I say. I will keep my mouth shut when the wicked are around.”

2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

So I was completely silent—I didn't even say anything good. But the pain inside only got worse.

3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then I spoke with my tongue,

My mind burned as if on fire; I had to say what I was thinking:

4 LORD, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.

Lord, remind me. How short is my life? How long do I have? Remind me how quickly my life will pass.

5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an hand breadth; and my age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. (Selah)

Just look at the tiny amount of days you have given me! In your eyes my whole lifetime is like nothing. Our lives here are just a breath… (Selah)

6 Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

Human beings are just shadows walking around. They pointlessly rush through life, trying to pile up possessions without knowing who will get them.

7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

So Lord, what am I looking for? I put my hope in you.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.

Save me from my rebellion. Don't let me be mocked by fools.

9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

I will stay quiet, I won't say a word, for it's you who has done this to me.

10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thy hand.

Please stop hitting me! Your beating has worn me out!

11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. (Selah)

When you discipline us, reprimanding us for our sins, it's like a moth eating up what is precious to us. All of us are just a breath… (Selah)

12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Please hear my prayer, Lord! Listen to my cry for help! Don't be deaf to my weeping. Please treat me as your guest, passing through, just like my forefathers.

13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I depart, and be no more.

Please leave me alone so I can be cheerful again, before I am dead and gone.