Psalms [Praises] 39

For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David [Beloved].

1I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin ·err (the standard goal)· with my tongue.

I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”

2I was mute with silence.

I held my peace, even from good.

My sorrow was stirred.

3My heart was hot within me.

While I meditated, the fire burned:

I spoke with my tongue:

4“Adonai, show me my end,

what is the measure of my days.

Let me know how frail I am.

5Behold, you have made my days hand widths.

My lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely every man stands as a breath.” Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.

6“Surely every man walks like a shadow.

Surely they busy themselves in vain.

He heaps up, and does not know who shall gather.

7Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you.

8Deliver me from all my rebellious breaches of relationships.

Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish.

9I was mute.

I didn’t open my mouth,

because you did it.

10Remove your scourge away from me.

I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11When you rebuke and correct man for depravity (moral evil),

You consume his wealth like a moth.

Surely every man is but a breath.” Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.

12“Sh'ma ·Hear obey· my prayer, Adonai, and give ear to my cry.

Don’t be silent at my tears.

For I am a stranger with you,

a foreigner, 1 as all my fathers were.

13Oh spare me, that I may recover strength,

before I go away, and exist no more.”