Psalm 39 (NASB2020)

Psalm 39

The Futility of Life.

For the music director, for 39:0 1 Chr 16:41Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1I said, “I will keep watch over my ways

So that I do not sin with my tongue;

I will keep watch over my mouth as with a muzzle

While the wicked are in my presence.”

2I was mute 39:2 Lit with silenceand silent,

I 39:2 Lit was silent from goodrefused to say even something good,

And my pain was stirred up.

3My heart was hot within me,

While I was musing the fire burned;

Then I spoke with my tongue:

4“Lord, let me know my end,

And what is the extent of my days;

Let me know how transient I am.

5“Behold, You have made my days like 39:5 I.e., shorthand widths,

And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;

Certainly all mankind standing is 39:5 Or altogether breatha mere breath. Selah

6“Certainly every person walks around as 39:6 Lit an imagea fleeting shadow;

They certainly make an uproar for nothing;

He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.

7¶“And now, Lord, for what do I wait?

My hope is in You.

8“Save me from all my wrongdoings;

Do not make me an object of reproach for the foolish.

9“I have become mute, I do not open my mouth,

Because it is You who have done it.

10“Remove Your plague from me;

Because of the opposition of Your hand I am 39:10 Or wasting awayperishing.

11“With rebukes You punish a person for wrongdoing;

You consume like a moth what is precious to him;

Certainly all mankind is mere breath! Selah

12¶“Hear my prayer, Lord, and listen to my cry for help;

Do not be silent to my tears;

For I am a stranger with You,

One who lives abroad, like all my fathers.

13“Turn Your eyes away from me, that I may become cheerful again

Before I depart and am no more.”

Understand Psalm 39

Walk through Psalm 39 verse by verse, then read what three commentaries say about the chapter. The explanations are written for new readers.