1 Psalm 39 The Fleeting Nature of Life For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David. 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.”2 I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified.3 My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, a fire burned. I spoke with my tongue:4 “ Lord , make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am.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 6 Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.7 “Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.8 Rescue me from all my transgressions; do not make me the taunt of fools.9 I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what you have done.10 Remove your torment from me. Because of the force of your hand I am finished.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 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.13 Turn your angry gaze from me so that I may be cheered up before I die and am gone.”