1I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I don't sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me." 2I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred. 3My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue: 4"Yahweh, show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am. 5Behold, you have made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath." Selah. 6"Surely every man walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. He heaps up, and doesn't know who shall gather. 7Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. 8Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don't make me the reproach of the foolish. 9I was mute. I didn't open my mouth, because you did it. 10Remove your scourge away from me. I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, You consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath." Selah. 12"Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don't be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my fathers were. 13Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away, and exist no more." For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.
The Book ofPsalms 39Chapter XXXIX 39
· 13 verses · 2 minute read
About this chapter
Psalms 39 — United Kingdom of Israel
David — King of Israel, warrior, and psalmist who experienced triumph and failure. Set in Jerusalem, royal court or private chambers. David is wrestling with the brevity and apparent meaninglessness of life, watching people chase after wealth and status that will vanish like smoke. He's been trying to stay silent about his doubts and frustrations, but the pressure is building inside him like a fire. Finally, he breaks his silence and pours out his existential crisis to God, asking why human life feels so fragile and fleeting.
“Psalms 39:4”— 39:4
Read when: Read this when you're having a midlife crisis or feeling overwhelmed by how quickly time is passing.
Key verses in Psalms 39
Psalms 39:5Psalms 39:7 · High comfortPsalms 39:6
Explore each verse of Psalms 39
This chapter speaks to