Psalm 39

New Century Version

Life Is Short

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

39 I said, “I will be careful how I act
    and will not sin by what I say.
I will be careful what I say
    around wicked people.”
²So I kept very quiet.
    I didn’t even say anything good,
    but I became even more upset.
³I became very angry inside,
    and as I thought about it, my anger burned.
    So I spoke:
⁴“Lord, tell me when the end will come
    and how long I will live.
    Let me know how long I have.
⁵You have given me only a short life;
    my lifetime is like nothing to you.
    Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah
⁶People are like shadows moving about.
    All their work is for nothing;
    they collect things but don’t know who will get them.

⁷“So, Lord, what hope do I have?
    You are my hope.
⁸Save me from all my sins.
    Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.
⁹I am quiet; I do not open my mouth,
    because you are the one who has done this.
¹⁰Quit punishing me;
    your beating is about to kill me.
¹¹You correct and punish people for their sins;
    like a moth, you destroy what they love.
    Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah

¹²“Lord, hear my prayer,
    and listen to my cry.
    Do not ignore my tears.
I am like a visitor with you.
    Like my ancestors, I’m only here a short time.
¹³Leave me alone so I can be happy
    before I leave and am no more.”