Psalms 39 (NASB20) on Bible AI — the full text of chapter 39 of 150 of Psalms, a book of the Old Testament, free to read, search, and study. Explore Psalms 39 verse by verse and compare it across Bible translations and languages.
The Futility of Life.
For the music director, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1[297] I 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 [298]and silent, I [299]refused 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.
5Behold, You have made my days like [300]hand widths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Certainly all mankind standing is [301]a mere breath.
6Certainly every person walks around as [302]a 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.
8Save me from all my wrongdoings; Do not make me an object of reproach for the foolish.
9I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, Because it is You who have done it.
10Remove Your plague from me; Because of the opposition of Your hand I am [303]perishing.
11With rebukes You punish a person for wrongdoing; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; Certainly all mankind is mere breath!
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.
13Turn Your eyes away from me, that I may become cheerful again Before I depart and am no more.”