Psalm 39-40
Christian Standard Bible
Psalm 39
The Fleeting Nature of Life
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
1 I 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.”(A)
2 I was speechless and quiet;
I kept silent, even from speaking good,
and my pain intensified.(B)
3 My heart grew hot within me;
as I mused, a fire burned.(C)
I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Lord, make me aware of my end
and the number of my days
so that I will know how short-lived I am.(D)
5 In fact, you have made my days just inches long,
and my life span is as nothing to you.
Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor.(E)Selah
6 Yes, a person goes about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they rush around in vain,
gathering possessions
without knowing who will get them.(F)
7 “Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you.(G)
8 Rescue me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the taunt of fools.(H)
9 I am speechless; I do not open my mouth
because of what you have done.(I)
10 Remove your torment from me.
Because of the force of your hand I am finished.(J)
11 You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity,
consuming like a moth what is precious to him;(K)
yes, every human being is only a vapor.(L)Selah
12 “Hear my prayer, Lord,
and listen to my cry for help;
do not be silent at my tears.(M)
For I am here with you as an alien,
a temporary resident like all my ancestors.(N)
13 Turn your angry gaze from me
so that I may be cheered up
before I die and am gone.”(O)
Psalm 40
Thanksgiving and a Cry for Help
For the choir director. A psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.(P)
2 He brought me up from a desolate[a] pit,
out of the muddy clay,(Q)
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure.(R)
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.(S)
Many will see and fear,
and they will trust in the Lord.(T)
4 How happy is anyone
who has put his trust in the Lord
and has not turned to the proud
or to those who run after lies!(U)
5 Lord my God, you have done many things—
your wondrous works and your plans for us;
none can compare with you.
If I were to report and speak of them,
they are more than can be told.(V)
6 You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;
you open my ears to listen.[b]
You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering.(W)
7 Then I said, “See, I have come;
in the scroll it is written about me.(X)
8 I delight to do your will, my God,(Y)
and your instruction is deep within me.”(Z)
9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
see, I do not keep my mouth closed[c]—
as you know, Lord.(AA)
10 I did not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I spoke about your faithfulness and salvation;
I did not conceal your constant love and truth
from the great assembly.(AB)
11 Lord, you do not[d] withhold your compassion from me.
Your constant love and truth will always guard me.(AC)
12 For troubles without number have surrounded me;
my iniquities have overtaken me; I am unable to see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my courage leaves me.(AD)
13 Lord, be pleased to rescue me;
hurry to help me, Lord.(AE)
14 Let those who intend to take my life
be disgraced and confounded.
Let those who wish me harm
be turned back and humiliated.(AF)
15 Let those who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
be appalled because of their shame.(AG)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
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