Psalms 39
The speaker initially tries to remain silent in the presence of the wicked, but their anguish grows and they eventually express their feelings to God. They ask God to reveal the brevity of their life and acknowledge that human existence is fleeting and often vain. The speaker then turns to God for hope and salvation, asking to be saved from their transgressions and the scorn of fools. They conclude by asking God to hear their prayer and look away from them so they can find joy before they die.
1I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."2But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.3My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:4"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.5You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah6Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.7"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.8Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.9I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.10Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.11You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth- each man is but a breath. Selah12"Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.13Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."
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