International Standard Version

Psalm 39

1 I told myself, “I will keep watch over my tongue to keep from sinning. I will muzzle my mouth when the wicked are around.”

2 I was as silent as a mute person; I said nothing, not even something good, and my distress deepened.

3 My heart within me became incensed; ^a as I thought about it, the fire burned. Then I ^b spoke out:

4 “LORD, let me know how my life ends, ^c and the standard by which you will measure ^d my days, whatever it is! Then I will know how transient my life is.

5 Look, you have made my life span fit in your hand; It is nothing compared to yours. Surely every person at their best is a puff of wind. Interlude

6 In fact, people walk around as shadows. Surely, they busy themselves for nothing, heaping up possessions but not knowing who will get them.

7 How long, LORD, will I wait expectantly? I have placed my hope in you.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions, and do not let fools scorn me.”

9 I remain silent; I do not open my mouth, for you are the one who acted.

10 Stop scourging me, since I have been crushed by your heavy hand.

11 You rebuke by chastening a man with the consequence of iniquities; you destroy what is attractive to him, as one would treat a moth. Indeed, every person is a puff of wind. Interlude

12 Hear my prayer, LORD, pay attention to my cry, and do not ignore my tears. I am an alien in your presence, a stranger just like my ancestors were.

13 Stop looking at me with chastisement, ^e so I can smile again, before I depart and am no more.