Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness
For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.
1 I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.” 2 I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred. 3 My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned. I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Yahweh, show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am. 5 Behold, you have made my days hand widths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath.” Selah. 6 “Surely every man walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. He heaps up, and doesn’t know who shall gather. 7 Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish. 9 I was mute. I didn’t open my mouth, because you did it. 10 Remove your scourge away from me. I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, you consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath.” Selah. 12 “Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don’t be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my fathers were. 13 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away and exist no more.” — Psalm 39 | World English Bible (WEB) The World English Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Exodus 9:3; 2 Samuel 16:10; Job 2:10; Job 6:11; Job 7:19; Job 9:34; Job 11:12; Psalm 32:3-4; Psalm 38:13; Psalm 38:15; Psalm 44:13; Psalm 51:9; Isaiah 38:16; Jeremiah 20:9; Matthew 6:27; Luke 12:20; Luke 24:32; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Hebrews 6:19; Hebrews 11:13; James 1:26; James 3:2; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Peter 2:16
Commentary on Psalms 39 by Matthew Henry
