What is the Measure of My Days? (Psalm 39)

1I said, “I will guard my ways,
 that I may not sin with my tongue;
 I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
 so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
 2I was mute and silent;
 I held my peace to no avail,
 and my distress grew worse.
 3My heart became hot within me.
 As I mused, the fire burned;
 then I spoke with my tongue:

4“O LORD, make me know my end
 and what is the measure of my days;
 let me know how fleeting I am!
 5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
 and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
 Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
 6Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
 Surely for nothinga they are in turmoil;
 man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

7“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
 My hope is in you.
 8Deliver me from all my transgressions.
 Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
 9I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
 for it is you who have done it.
 10Remove your stroke from me;
 I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
 11When you discipline a man
 with rebukes for sin,
 you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
 surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

12“Hear my prayer, O LORD,
 and give ear to my cry;
 hold not your peace at my tears!
 For I am a sojourner with you,
 a guest, like all my fathers.
 13Look away from me, that I may smile again,
 before I depart and am no more!”