Aa
The Fleeting Nature of Life
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm.
1I 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.” Ps 34:13; Jms 3:5-12
2I was speechless and quiet;
I kept silent, even from speaking good,
and my pain intensified. Jb 40:4; Ps 38:13
3My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, a fire burned. Ps 32:4; Jr 20:9; Lk 24:32
I spoke with my tongue:
4Lord, reveal to me the end of my life
and the number of my days.
Let me know how short-lived I am. Ps 78:39; 90:12; 103:14
5You, indeed, have made my days short in length,
and my life span as nothing in Your sight.
Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Ps 62:9; 89:47; 144:4Selah
6“Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,
gathering possessions
without knowing who will get them. Ps 49:10; Ec 2:18-19; Lk 12:20; 1Co 7:31
7Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You. Ps 38:15
8Deliver me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the taunt of fools. Ps 44:13; 79:4; 119:22
9I am speechless; I do not open my mouth
because of what You have done. Ps 39:2
10Remove Your torment from me;
I fade away because of the force of Your hand. Jb 9:34; 13:21; Ps 32:4
11You discipline a man with punishment for sin,
consuming like a moth what is precious to him; Is 50:9
every man is only a vapor. Ps 39:5Selah
12“Hear my prayer, Lord,
and listen to my cry for help;
do not be silent at my tears. Ps 35:22
For I am a foreigner residing with You,
a temporary resident like all my fathers. 1Ch 29:15; Heb 11:13; 1Pt 2:11
13Turn Your angry gaze from me
so that I may be cheered up
before I die and am gone.” Jb 7:19; 10:20-21; Ps 102:24