Psalm, 39

Life Hope God Understanding Confession Prayer Health Strength Trust Suffering Death Self-control Acknowledging Almighty Materialism Protection

Psalm 39 is a deeply personal meditation on the fleeting nature of human life. The speaker reflects on their own mortality and the brevity of their time on earth. The psalmist struggles with the tension of being both finite and eternal, and grapples with the weight of their own sinfulness.

Psalm, 39

13
verses
●
2
min

Bible version

Reflections on the Fragility of Life

1 {To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.} I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

Commentary

The book of Psalms is a collection of prayers, songs, and poetry that express the range of human emotion and experience. In Psalm 39, the speaker is confronted with their own mortality and the shortness of life. They are honest about their own struggles and shortcomings, acknowledging their sinfulness and asking for forgiveness. The psalmist also wrestles with the question of the purpose and meaning of life. They question the fleeting nature of human accomplishments and possessions, recognizing that they are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. Yet even in the midst of this existential crisis, the speaker finds comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone. They acknowledge that God is with them, even in their struggles, and ultimately find hope in the promise of redemption and eternal life. Psalm 39 serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living with intention and purpose. It is a powerful reflection on the human condition and a testament to the enduring value of faith and hope.

Meet the heroes of Psalm, 39

David
David
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FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the Psalm, chapter 39 it would take approximately 2 minutes to finish.

There are 13 verses in Psalm, chapter 39.