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Life Is Short

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

39 I said, “I will be careful how I act
    and will not sin by what I say.
I will be careful what I say
    around wicked people.”
So I kept very quiet.
    I didn’t even say anything good,
    but I became even more upset.
I became very angry inside,
    and as I thought about it, my anger burned.
    So I spoke:
Lord, tell me when the end will come
    and how long I will live.
    Let me know how long I have.
You have given me only a short life;
    my lifetime is like nothing to you.
    Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah
People are like shadows moving about.
    All their work is for nothing;
    they collect things but don’t know who will get them.

“So, Lord, what hope do I have?
    You are my hope.
Save me from all my sins.
    Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.
I am quiet; I do not open my mouth,
    because you are the one who has done this.
10 Quit punishing me;
    your beating is about to kill me.
11 You correct and punish people for their sins;
    like a moth, you destroy what they love.
    Everyone’s life is only a breath. Selah

12 Lord, hear my prayer,
    and listen to my cry.
    Do not ignore my tears.
I am like a visitor with you.
    Like my ancestors, I’m only here a short time.
13 Leave me alone so I can be happy
    before I leave and am no more.”

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