Psalm 39

What Is the Measure of My Days?

1. To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 1 I said, “I will guard my ways, 1 that I may not sin with my tongue; 1 I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, 1 so long as the wicked are in my presence.”

2. I was mute and silent; 2 I held my peace to no avail, 2 and my distress grew worse.

3. My heart became hot within me. 3 As I mused, the fire burned; 3 then I spoke with my tongue:

4. “O Lord, make me know my end 4 and what is the measure of my days; 4 let me know how fleeting I am!

5. Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, 5 and my lifetime is as nothing before you. 5 Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah

6. Surely a man goes about as a shadow! 6 Surely for nothing[a] they are in turmoil; 6 man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

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

8. Deliver me from all my transgressions. 8 Do not make me the scorn of the fool!

9. I am mute; I do not open my mouth, 9 for it is you who have done it.

10. Remove your stroke from me; 10 I am spent by the hostility of your hand.

11. When you discipline a man 11 with rebukes for sin, 11 you consume like a moth what is dear to him; 11 surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

12. “Hear my prayer, O Lord, 12 and give ear to my cry; 12 hold not your peace at my tears! 12 For I am a sojourner with you, 12 a guest, like all my fathers.

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

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 39:6: Hebrew Surely as a breath