39:1 *[For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.] I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” / *In Hebrew texts 39:1-13 is numbered 39:2-14.
39:2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;
39:3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
39:4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
39:5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.* / *The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 11.
39:6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.
39:7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
39:8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
39:9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
39:10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
39:11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth - surely everyone is but a breath.
39:12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
39:13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”