For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David.

39:1 I decided, “I will watch what I say
and make sure I do not sin with my tongue.
I will put a muzzle over my mouth
while in the presence of an evil man.”
39:2 I was stone silent;
I held back the urge to speak.
My frustration grew;
39:3 my anxiety intensified.
As I thought about it, I became impatient.
Finally I spoke these words:
39:4 “O LORD, help me understand my mortality
and the brevity of life!
Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!
39:5 Look, you make my days short-lived,
and my life span is nothing from your perspective.
Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.
39:6 Surely people go through life as mere ghosts.
Surely they accumulate worthless wealth
without knowing who will eventually haul it away.”
39:7 But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying?
You are my only hope!
39:8 Deliver me from all my sins of rebellion!
Do not make me the object of fools’ insults!
39:9 I am silent and cannot open my mouth
because of what you have done.
39:10 Please stop wounding me!
You have almost beaten me to death!
39:11 You severely discipline people for their sins;
like a moth you slowly devour their strength.
Surely all people are a mere vapor.
(Selah)
39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD!
Listen to my cry for help!
Do not ignore my sobbing!
For I am dependent on you, like one residing outside his native land;
I am at your mercy, just as all my ancestors were.
39:13 Turn your angry gaze away from me, so I can be happy
before I pass away.