Chapter Summary
Psalm 39 reflects on life's brevity and the futility of human striving. David resolves to guard his mouth, then bursts out asking God to show him his end and how fleeting his days are. Every man is a mere breath, bustling about in a shadow, heaping up wealth without knowing who will gather it. He asks God to look away before he departs and is no more.
Key Verses in This Chapter
Psalms Chapter 39
Chapter 39 of Psalms from the Holy Bible
Verses
Psalms 39:1
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Psalms 39:2
I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
Psalms 39:3
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
Psalms 39:4
LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Psalms 39:5
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
Psalms 39:6
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
Psalms 39:7
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Psalms 39:8
Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
Psalms 39:9
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
Psalms 39:10
Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
Psalms 39:11
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
Psalms 39:12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
Psalms 39:13
O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
People Also Ask
What is Psalms Chapter 39 about?
Psalms Chapter 39 is part of the book of Psalms in the Wisdom Literature (Poetic Books). This chapter contains 13 verses. Read the full text above to study its message in context with the surrounding chapters.
How many verses are in Psalms Chapter 39?
Psalms Chapter 39 contains 13 verses. You can use the Audio Reader to listen to this chapter read aloud, or use the font size controls above to adjust the text for comfortable reading. Bookmark individual verses by hovering over them and clicking the bookmark icon.
How can I study Psalms Chapter 39 more deeply?
To study this chapter more deeply: (1) Read the surrounding chapters for context - start with Chapter 38. (2) Explore related themes in our Faith Discussions section. (3) Find verses that match your emotional needs in Verses by Emotion. (4) Use the bookmark feature to save key verses for later reflection.