1 For the Leader, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
2 I said: 'I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue; I will keep a curb upon my mouth, while the wicked is before me.'
3 I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, had no comfort; and my pain was held in check.
4 My heart waxed hot within me; while I was musing, the fire kindled; then spoke I with my tongue:
5 'HaShem, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; let me know how short-lived I am.
6 Behold, Thou hast made my days as hand-breadths; and mine age is as nothing before Thee; surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity. Selah
7 Surely man walketh as a mere semblance; surely for vanity they are in turmoil; he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
8 And now, L-rd, what wait I for? My hope, it is in Thee.
9 Deliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the base.
10 I am dumb, I open not my mouth; because Thou hast done it.
11 Remove Thy stroke from off me; I am consumed by the blow of Thy hand.
12 With rebukes dost Thou chasten man for iniquity, and like a moth Thou makest his beauty to consume away; surely every man is vanity. Selah
13 Hear my prayer, O HaShem, and give ear unto my cry; keep not silence at my tears; for I am a stranger with Thee, a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
14 Look away from me, that I may take comfort, before I go hence, and be no more.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 39 about?
What does the psalm say about guarding one's tongue?
How does the psalm describe human life?
Today's Verse
if they return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:
Verse Of The DayDavid compares every man's days to a mere handbreadth and admits he is "a stranger with thee, and a sojourner," pleading for relief before he departs. His restraint of speech is echoed in Proverbs 21:23; continue from Psalms 38 to Psalms 40.
