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39:1  For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David. I said to myself, "I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me."
39:2  But as I stood there in silence--not even speaking of good things--the turmoil within me grew worse.
39:3  The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words:
39:4  "LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is.
39:5  You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." Interlude
39:6  We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.
39:7  And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.
39:8  Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me.
39:9  I am silent before you; I won't say a word, for my punishment is from you.
39:10  But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
39:11  When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
39:12  Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don't ignore my tears. For I am your guest--a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.
39:13  Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.