

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 lifespan 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 sovereign master, 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

