Psalms 39:1-6

Psalm 39

For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David.

39:1 I decided, “I will watch what I say

and make sure I do not sin with my tongue.

I will put a muzzle over my mouth

while in the presence of an evil man.”

39:2 I was stone silent;

I held back the urge to speak.

My frustration grew;

39:3 my anxiety intensified.

As I thought about it, I became impatient.

Finally I spoke these words:

39:4 “O Lord, help me understand my mortality

and the brevity of life!

Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!

39:5 Look, you make my days short-lived,

and my life span is nothing from your perspective.

Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.

39:6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts.

Surely they accumulate worthless wealth

without knowing who will eventually haul it away.”