Psalm 3933

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

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

and make sure I do not sin with my tongue.2

I will put a muzzle over my mouth

while in the presence of an evil man.”3

39:2 I was stone silent;4

I held back the urge to speak.5

My frustration grew;6

39:3 my anxiety intensified.7

As I thought about it, I became impatient.8

Finally I spoke these words:9

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

and the brevity of life!10

Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!11

39:5 Look, you make my days short-lived,12

and my life span is nothing from your perspective.13

Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.14

39:6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts.15

Surely they accumulate worthless wealth

without knowing who will eventually haul it away.”16

39:7 But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying?

You are my only hope!17

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.18

39:10 Please stop wounding me!19

You have almost beaten me to death!20

39:11 You severely discipline people for their sins;21

like a moth you slowly devour their strength.22

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!23

For I am dependent on you, like one residing outside his native land;

I am at your mercy, just as all my ancestors were.24

39:13 Turn your angry gaze away from me, so I can be happy

before I pass away.25