Psalm 39_1 - Christian Standard Bible Anglicised

The Fleeting Nature of Life

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

¹ 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.’

² I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified.

³ My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:

⁴ ‘Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am.

⁵ In fact, you have made my days just handbreadths long, and my lifespan is as nothing to you. Yes, every human being stands as only a vapour.  Selah

⁶ Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.

⁷ ‘Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.

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

⁹ I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what you have done.

¹⁰ Remove your torment from me. Because of the force of your hand I am finished.

¹¹ You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity, consuming like a moth what is precious to him; yes, every human being is only a vapour.  Selah

¹² ‘Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears. For I am here with you as a foreigner, a temporary resident like all my ancestors.

¹³ Turn your angry gaze from me so that I may be cheered up before I die and am gone.’