These Psalm like any other Psalm is written by King David, the ruler of Israel, the man after God’s heart and the greatest King that ever graced the earth. This Psalm can be used to plea for God’s wisdom and also ask for forgiveness. Psalm 39 also can be used to plead to God to show us mercy, and help us to work before him righteously. David had been in a great difficulty’s when he penned this psalm, and, upon some account or other, very disturbed; for it is with some difficulty that he defeats his passion, and composes his spirit himself to take that good counsel which he had given to others (In for example Ps. 37) to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, without fretting; for it is easier to give the good advice than to give the good example of stillness under affliction. What was the particular trouble which gave occasion for the conflict David was now in does not appear. Perhaps it was the death of some dear friend or relation that was the trial of his patience, and that suggested to him these meditations of morality; At the same time, it should seem too. David himself was weak and ill, and under some prevailing distemper. His enemies likewise were seeking power against him, and watched for his stumbling, that they might have something to reproach him for. hence aggrieved.

Psalm 39:1-13
{For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.}
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth, surely everyone is but a breath. “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”

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