Psalms 39 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

I told myself, "I will guard every word I say. I will muzzle my own mouth as long as the wicked stand in front of me."

I stood there completely silent — I held back even from saying anything good — but the pain inside me only grew worse.

My heart burned hot inside me. The more I thought about it, the more the fire blazed — until finally the words burst out:

"Yahweh, show me how this ends. How many days do I have left? Let me feel how temporary I really am."

Look — you gave me a handful of days, nothing more. My entire life is barely a breath in your sight. Every person standing tall is just a vapor.

We walk through life like shadows. All our rushing around amounts to nothing. We pile up wealth and have no idea who will end up with it.

So what am I really waiting for, Yahweh? My only hope is you.

Rescue me from all the ways I've failed you. Don't let fools use my life as a joke.

I will not open my mouth. I will stay silent, because you are the one who did this.

Please — take your heavy hand off me. The blows from your fist are destroying me.

When you correct someone for their failures, you consume what they treasure like a moth eats fabric. Every person is truly just a breath.

Hear my prayer, Yahweh. Listen to my cry for help. Don't just stand there while I weep. I'm a stranger passing through — just like all my ancestors were when they walked with you.

Look away from me — let me catch my breath and smile again before I disappear and am gone for good.