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

“Surely everyone goes around(F) like a mere phantom;(G)
    in vain they rush about,(H) heaping up wealth(I)
    without knowing whose it will finally be.(J)

“But now, Lord, what do I look for?
    My hope is in you.(K)
Save me(L) from all my transgressions;(M)
    do not make me the scorn(N) of fools.
I was silent;(O) I would not open my mouth,(P)
    for you are the one who has done this.(Q)
10 Remove your scourge from me;
    I am overcome by the blow(R) of your hand.(S)
11 When you rebuke(T) and discipline(U) anyone for their sin,
    you consume(V) their wealth like a moth(W)
    surely everyone is but a breath.(X)

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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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