For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David.

39:1 I decided, “I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue. I will put a muzzle over my mouth while in the presence of an evil man.”

39:2 I was stone silent; I held back the urge to speak. My frustration grew;

39:3 my anxiety intensified. As I thought about it, I became impatient. Finally I spoke these words:

39:4 “O Lord, help me understand my mortality and the brevity of life! Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!

39:5 Look, you make my days short-lived, and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.

39:6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts. Surely they accumulate worthless wealth without knowing who will eventually haul it away.”

39:7 But now, O sovereign Master, upon what am I relying? You are my only hope!

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.

39:10 Please stop wounding me! You have almost beaten me to death!

39:11 You severely discipline people for their sins; like a moth you slowly devour their strength. 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! For I am dependent on you, like one residing outside his native land; I am at your mercy, just as all my ancestors were.

• Refer to Prayer

39:13 Turn your angry gaze away from me, so I can be happy before I pass away.