Psalm 39
Life Is Short
David thinks about how short life really is — like a breath or a shadow that passes quickly. This reminds him not to waste time on things that don't matter. His hope is in God, not in riches or things of this world.
- 1I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked."
- 2So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased.
- 3My heart grew hot within me, and a fire burned as I meditated; then I spoke with my tongue:
- 4"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.
- 5You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before You. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah
- 6Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
- 7But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You.
- 8Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
- 9I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for You are the one who has done this.
- 10Remove Your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of Your hand.
- 11You rebuke and discipline men for their sins; You consume their wealth like a moth— each man is but a breath. Selah
- 12Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with You as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.
- 13Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."
What it means
Our lives are short — like a single breath. That's exactly why the wisest thing we can do is spend our days well, be careful with our words, and put all our hope in God, who lasts forever.
A little prayer
Lord, my life is short — like a breath. Help me spend it well, watch what I say, and put all my hope in You. Amen.
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)