Psalm 39

Psalm 39

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.
Selah

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.
Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD,
listen to my cry for help;
be not deaf to my weeping.
For I dwell with you as an alien,
a stranger, as all my fathers were.

13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again
before I depart and am no more."

Jacq: Actually, I dont really understand this psalm.. but.. right up till the middle, I feel tht David was trying to keep his mouth silent about speaking evil... I am reminded that in YoS, Isa 58.. not to speak idle words. Lord, many times when I struggle, on what to say and what not to say, to what extend it will be a gossip, to what extend will be a sharing, God teach me and always remind me not to speak idly, keep my heart in check not to speak evil.

Crow: Dear Lord, help me to speak only what is good and only what glorifies your Name.

Chin Ling: I've learnt that we can keep silent even when we feel unjustified or when things happening is just so unfair, because the Lord will do all things in accordance to his time. Yet, I also looked inward and question the meaning of my life, (V4-6) and I pray that the Lord will continually show me how fleeting my life is, that the wealth we store here cannot be brought to heaven- to learn to be contented. Lastly, I learn to keep my eyes and my hope only in God, and Rejoice!

DEllia: Totally agree with Chinling! Cos the Lord is our judge & we don't have to justify to others! Lord, teach me not to jump into defense so quickly but to trust in Your unfailing love!

Juan: Agree totally with u all..aahahah.. WEll, i guess if i have nothing nice to talk about, jus shut up else my gossip or words might hurt ppl. Now i have 2 ulcers in my mouth.. its time to be silent and be a listener. :)