Psa 39 | HCSB | STEP | For the choir director , for Jeduthun . A Davidic psalm . I said , “I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue ; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence .”

Psalms 39

The Fleeting Nature of Life

1 For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm.

I said, “I will guard my ways
so that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle
as long as the wicked are in my presence.” ^a
2 I was speechless and quiet;
I kept silent, even from speaking good,
and my pain intensified. ^b
3 My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, a fire burned. ^c
I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Lord, reveal to me the end of my life
and the number of my days.
Let me know how short-lived I am. ^d
5 You, indeed, have made my days short in length,
and my life span as nothing in Your sight.
Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. ^{e
,} ^{▼▼Selah: A Hebrew word whose meaning is uncertain; various interpretations include: (1) a musical notation, (2) a pause for silence, (3) a signal for worshipers to fall prostrate on the ground, (4) a term for the worshipers to call out, and (5) a word meaning "forever"}
Selah

6 “Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,
gathering possessions
without knowing who will get them. ^g
7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You. ^h
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the taunt of fools. ⁱ
9 I am speechless; I do not open my mouth
because of what You have done. ^j
10 Remove Your torment from me;
I fade away because of the force of Your hand. ^k
11 You discipline a man with punishment for sin,
consuming like a moth what is precious to him; ^l
every man is only a vapor. ^{m
,} ^{▼▼Selah: A Hebrew word whose meaning is uncertain; various interpretations include: (1) a musical notation, (2) a pause for silence, (3) a signal for worshipers to fall prostrate on the ground, (4) a term for the worshipers to call out, and (5) a word meaning "forever"}
Selah

12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,
and listen to my cry for help;
do not be silent at my tears. ^o
For I am a foreigner residing with You,
a temporary resident like all my fathers. ^p
13 Turn Your angry gaze from me
so that I may be cheered up
before I die and am gone.” ^q