Psalm 39
Back to Index page
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

1 I said, ‘I will watch my ways
    and keep my tongue from sin;
    I will put a muzzle on my mouth
    as long as the wicked are in my presence.’
2 But when I was silent and still,
    not even saying anything good.
    my anguish increased;
3 My heart grew hot within me,
    And as I meditated, the fire burned.
    then I spoke with my tongue:
4 ‘Show me, O LORD, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;
    let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
    Each man’s life is but a breath.
6 ‘Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; He bustles about, but only in vain.
    He heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

7 ‘But now, Lord, what do I look for?
    My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
    do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
    for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
    I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin,
    you consume their wealth like a moth –
    each man is but a breath.
12 ‘Hear my prayer, O LORD,
    listen to my cry for help;
    do not be deaf to my weeping.
    For I dwell with you as an alien,
    a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
    before I depart and am no more.’
(NIV)


Psalm 39: A Psalm of David. For us to understand this psalm we need to remember the basic beliefs of the writer.
Who believed that sickness was a punishment for sin, and that he believes that death is the end.
• He tries to avoid questioning God, but he finds no relief.
• He then acknowledges his trust in God and makes a plea for healing and asks for God’s protection.
I wonder, have we had times of bad illness, and believe that this is it?
or question God why me? What have I done to deserve this illness?
When we trust in God, we will find, help will come to us through our illness and be there for us when the end of our life here is over.

God is watching over us and will not let anything harm us that we cannot manage.

Back to top