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Psalm 39

For the worship leader, Jeduthun.[a] A song of David.

As an individual lament, Psalm 39 grieves over the brevity of life. The superscription recalls David’s appointment of Jeduthun as one of the tabernacle’s leading musicians (1 Chronicles 16:41–42).

I promised, “I’ll be careful on life’s journey
    not to sin with my words;
I’ll seal my lips
    when wicked people are around.”
I kept my mouth shut;
    I had nothing to say—not even anything good—
    which came to grieve me more and more.
I felt my heart become hot inside me
    as I thought on these things; a fire ignited and burned.
    Then I said,

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Psalm 39[a]

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

I said, “I will watch my ways(A)
    and keep my tongue from sin;(B)
I will put a muzzle on my mouth(C)
    while in the presence of the wicked.”
So I remained utterly silent,(D)
    not even saying anything good.
But my anguish(E) increased;
    my heart grew hot(F) within me.
While I meditated,(G) the fire(H) burned;
    then I spoke with my tongue:

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 39:1 In Hebrew texts 39:1-13 is numbered 39:2-14.