So I remained utterly silent,(A)
    not even saying anything good.
But my anguish(B) increased;
    my heart grew hot(C) within me.
While I meditated,(D) the fire(E) burned;
    then I spoke with my tongue:

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;(F)
    let me know how fleeting(G) my life is.(H)
You have made my days(I) a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,(J)
    even those who seem secure.[a]

“Surely everyone goes around(K) like a mere phantom;(L)
    in vain they rush about,(M) heaping up wealth(N)
    without knowing whose it will finally be.(O)

“But now, Lord, what do I look for?
    My hope is in you.(P)
Save me(Q) from all my transgressions;(R)
    do not make me the scorn(S) of fools.

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 39:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 11.

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