Psalm 39

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

1I said, “I will guard my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

2I was mute and silent; I held back even from saying anything good, and my pain grew worse.

3My heart grew hot within me; as I brooded, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:

4Yahweh, show me my end and the measure of my days, what it is; let me know how fleeting I am.

5See, you have made my days only a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every person, however firmly he stands, is only a breath. Selah.

6Surely each person walks about like a mere shadow; surely they bustle about for nothing; he piles up wealth and does not know who will gather it.

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

8Rescue me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.

9I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

10Remove your blow from me; I am worn out by the attack of your hand.

11When you discipline someone with rebukes for guilt, you consume what he treasures like a moth. Surely every person is only a breath. Selah.

12Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my tears. For I am a foreigner with you, a temporary resident, like all my ancestors.

13Look away from me, so that I may smile again before I depart and am no more.