Psalms 39

1 For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin 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 mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. 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 meditated, the fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:

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

4 “Yahweh, show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me 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, you have made my days hand widths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath.” (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 walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. He heaps up, and doesn’t know who shall gather.

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

7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.

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

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish.

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

9 I was mute. I didn’t open my mouth, because you did it.

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

10 Remove your scourge away from me. I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

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

11 When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, you consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath.” (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, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don’t be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, 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 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away and exist no more.”

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