Psalm 39 :: Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Fleeting Nature of Life

For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

Psa 39:1

I said, “I will guard my ways

so that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle

as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

Psa 39:2

I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.

Psa 39:3

My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.

I spoke with my tongue:

Psa 39:4

“LORD, make me aware of my end

and the number of my days

so that I will know how short-lived I am.

Psa 39:5

“In fact, you have made my days just inches long,

and my life span is as nothing to you.

Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor.Selah

Psa 39:6

“Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them.

Psa 39:7

“Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in you.

Psa 39:8

“Rescue me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools.

Psa 39:9

“I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what you have done.

Psa 39:10

“Remove your torment from me.

Because of the force of your hand I am finished.

Psa 39:11

“You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him;

yes, every human being is only a vapor.Selah

Psa 39:12

“Hear my prayer, LORD,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears.

For I am here with you as an alien,

a temporary resident like all my ancestors.

Psa 39:13

“Turn your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.”

See the CSB Preface (Especially for Parenthesis, Brackets, & Asterisks).

Additional information is provided here.

For more information on this translation, see the CSB Preface.