Psalms 39
1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Common Questions About Psalms 39
What resolve does David make at the start of Psalm 39?
David resolves to guard his ways and keep his tongue from sin, especially while in the presence of the wicked, though the effort to stay silent stirs up inner turmoil.
What does the psalm say about the brevity of life?
David reflects that his days are like a mere handbreadth, and every man is but a breath, asking God to show him how fleeting his life is so he might live wisely.
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Questions to Think About
- What helps you guard your tongue in moments of frustration or temptation to complain?
- How does reflecting on the brevity of life change your priorities today?
Ask the Bible Chat Bot below if you'd like to talk through any of these.
