39:1 For the worship leader, Jeduthun. A song of David. I promised, “I’ll be careful on life’s journey not to sin with my words; I’ll seal my lips when wicked people are around.”
39:2 I kept my mouth shut; I had nothing to say—not even anything good— which came to grieve me more and more.
39:3 I felt my heart become hot inside me as I thought on these things; a fire ignited and burned. Then I said,
39:4 “Eternal One, let me understand my end and how brief my earthly existence is; help me realize my life is fleeting.
39:5 You have determined the length of my days, and my life is nothing compared to You. Even the longest life is only a breath.” [pause]
39:6 In truth, each of us journeys through life like a shadow. We busy ourselves accomplishing nothing, piling up assets we can never keep; We can’t even know who will end up with those things.
39:7 In light of all this, Lord, what am I really waiting for? You are my hope.
39:8 Keep me from all the wrong I would do; don’t let the foolish laugh at me.
39:9 I am quiet; I keep my mouth closed because this has come from You.
39:10 Take Your curse from me; I can’t endure Your punishment.
39:11 You discipline us for our sins. Like a moth, You consume everything we treasure; it’s evident we are merely a breath. [pause]
39:12 Hear me, O Eternal One; listen to my pleading, and don’t ignore my tears Because I am estranged from You— a wanderer like my fathers before me.
39:13 Look away from me so I might have a chance to recover my joy and smile again before I lay this life down and am no more.
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