Psalms 39
BSB1 I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present." 2 I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred. 3 My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah 6 Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. 7 And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of fools. 9 I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done. 10 Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand. 11 You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. Selah 12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers. 13 Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may again be cheered before I depart and am no more."
Study Notes — Psalms 39
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 39
- Themes from Psalms 39
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 39
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the psalmist's resolve to guard his tongue and wait patiently for God, even in the face of adversity (Psalms 39:1-3). He then laments the brevity of human life, noting that it is but a mere breath (Psalms 39:4-6). The psalmist asks God to teach him to number his days, that he might gain a heart of wisdom (Psalms 39:4). He also confesses his sin and asks for God's mercy, recognizing that his hope is in God alone (Psalms 39:7-13). The chapter concludes with the psalmist's expression of trust in God's goodness and his desire to be heard and answered by God.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 39 is part of the third book of the Psalter, which includes Psalms 38-41. This chapter is a lament psalm, expressing the psalmist's sorrow and frustration in the face of adversity. It is likely that the psalmist is writing in a time of personal struggle or national crisis, and is seeking to encourage himself and others to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Psalms 39, we are reminded of the importance of living with eternity in view. We are called to use our time wisely, to seek wisdom and to trust in God's goodness, even in the face of adversity. May we, like the psalmist, cultivate a deep sense of dependence on God and a longing for eternity with Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 39 is a chapter about the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of using our time wisely. The psalmist asks God to teach him to number his days, that he might gain a heart of wisdom and live in light of eternity. We are reminded that our hope is in God alone, and that we should trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even in the face of adversity, as seen in Psalms 39:4 and Psalms 39:7.
Voices from the Church
“The psalmist's cry, 'LORD, make me to know my end,' is a solemn and searching prayer, which should be echoed in the heart of every believer.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The brevity of human life is a theme that is frequently emphasized in Scripture, and it is one that should lead us to a deeper sense of dependence on God and a greater concern for eternity.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction (Psalms 39:1-3) — The psalmist resolves to guard his tongue and wait patiently for God, even in the face of adversity.
- The Brevity of Human Life (Psalms 39:4-6) — The psalmist laments the brevity of human life, noting that it is but a mere breath.
- A Prayer for Wisdom (Psalms 39:4-6) — The psalmist asks God to teach him to number his days, that he might gain a heart of wisdom.
- Confession and Petition (Psalms 39:7-13) — The psalmist confesses his sin and asks for God's mercy, recognizing that his hope is in God alone.
- Conclusion (Psalms 39:13) — The psalmist expresses his trust in God's goodness and his desire to be heard and answered by God.
Core Doctrines
- The Brevity of Human Life
- Psalms 39 teaches us that human life is fleeting and fragile, and that we should use our time wisely in light of eternity.
- The Importance of Wisdom
- The psalmist's desire for wisdom is a reminder that we should seek to live wisely and to use our time well, in light of God's Word and His sovereignty.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The psalmist's trust in God's goodness and sovereignty is a reminder that God is in control of all things, and that we can trust in Him even in the face of adversity.
- The Importance of Prayer
- The psalmist's prayers and petitions are a reminder of the importance of communicating with God and seeking His guidance and mercy.
Lessons from Psalms 39
- The Importance of Living with Eternity in View — Psalms 39 teaches us to use our time wisely and to live with eternity in view, recognizing that our lives are fleeting and fragile.
- The Value of Wisdom — The psalmist's desire for wisdom reminds us of the importance of seeking to live wisely and to use our time well, in light of God's Word and His sovereignty.
- The Power of Prayer — The psalmist's prayers and petitions demonstrate the importance of communicating with God and seeking His guidance and mercy.
- The Comfort of God's Sovereignty — The psalmist's trust in God's goodness and sovereignty reminds us that God is in control of all things, and that we can trust in Him even in the face of adversity.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Goodness — The psalmist's expression of trust in Psalms 39:7-13 encourages us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives.
Themes from Psalms 39
- Mortality and the Transience of Human Life — Psalms 39 emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life, reminding us to use our time wisely and to live with eternity in view.
- The Importance of Wisdom — The psalmist's desire for wisdom reminds us of the importance of seeking to live wisely and to use our time well, in light of God's Word and His sovereignty.
- Trust in God's Goodness and Sovereignty — The psalmist's trust in God's goodness and sovereignty reminds us that God is in control of all things, and that we can trust in Him even in the face of adversity.
- The Power of Prayer — The psalmist's prayers and petitions demonstrate the importance of communicating with God and seeking His guidance and mercy.
- The Comfort of God's Presence — The psalmist's expression of trust in Psalms 39:7-13 reminds us that God is always with us, and that we can find comfort in His presence even in difficult times.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the psalmist mean by 'a mere breath' in Psalms 39:5, and how should this truth affect our lives?
- How does the psalmist's use of metaphor in Psalms 39:4-6 help us to understand the nature of human life?
- What does the psalmist's prayer in Psalms 39:4 reveal about his values and priorities?
- How does the psalmist's expression of trust in Psalms 39:7-13 encourage us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty?
- What lessons can we learn from the psalmist's experience in Psalms 39, and how can we apply them to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction (Psalms 39:1-3)
| 39:1 | The psalmist resolves to guard his tongue and wait patiently for God, even in the face of adversity. |
| 39:2 | He remains silent, even when he is slandered or mistreated, and waits for God to vindicate him. |
2. The Brevity of Human Life (Psalms 39:4-6)
| 39:4 | The psalmist asks God to teach him to number his days, that he might gain a heart of wisdom. |
| 39:5 | He notes that human life is but a mere breath, and that our days are few and fleeting. |
3. A Prayer for Wisdom (Psalms 39:4-6)
| 39:4 | The psalmist asks God to teach him to number his days, that he might gain a heart of wisdom. |
| 39:6 | He recognizes that wealth and material possessions are of no value in the face of death and eternity. |
4. Confession and Petition (Psalms 39:7-13)
| 39:7 | The psalmist confesses his sin and asks for God's mercy, recognizing that his hope is in God alone. |
| 39:8 | He asks God to deliver him from his troubles and to forgive his sin. |
| 39:9 | He waits patiently for God to answer his prayer and to vindicate him. |
| 39:10 | He recognizes that God is his only hope and his only comfort in times of trouble. |
| 39:11 | He asks God to remove his stroke and to forgive his sin. |
| 39:12 | He recognizes that he is but a stranger or sojourner on this earth, and that his time is short. |
| 39:13 | He asks God to hear his prayer and to grant him a favorable hearing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 39?
The main theme of Psalms 39 is the brevity of human life and the importance of using our time wisely in light of eternity, as seen in Psalms 39:4-6. The psalmist emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of seeking wisdom and trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty.
What does the psalmist mean by 'a mere breath' in Psalms 39:5?
The psalmist means that human life is fleeting and fragile, and that our days are few and short. He is emphasizing the transience of human life and the importance of using our time wisely, as seen in Psalms 39:4-6.
How does the psalmist's use of metaphor in Psalms 39:4-6 help us to understand the nature of human life?
The psalmist's use of metaphor in Psalms 39:4-6 helps us to understand the nature of human life by emphasizing its fleeting and fragile nature. The metaphor of a 'mere breath' reminds us that our lives are short and that we should use our time wisely, as seen in Psalms 39:4-6.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 39:4 → Psalms 90:12 | Both passages emphasize the importance of numbering our days and using our time wisely in light of eternity. |
| 2 | Psalms 39:5 → James 4:14 | Both passages remind us that human life is fleeting and fragile, and that we should use our time wisely. |
| 3 | Psalms 39:7 → Psalms 38:15 | Both passages express the psalmist's trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the face of adversity. |
| 4 | Psalms 39:8 → Psalms 51:1 | Both passages demonstrate the psalmist's desire for God's mercy and forgiveness, and his recognition of his sin and need for salvation. |
| 5 | Psalms 39:9 → Psalms 37:7 | Both passages encourage us to wait patiently for God and to trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives. |
| 6 | Psalms 39:10 → Psalms 23:4 | Both passages remind us that God is our only hope and comfort in times of trouble, and that we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty. |
| 7 | Psalms 39:11 → Psalms 6:2 | Both passages demonstrate the psalmist's desire for God's mercy and healing, and his recognition of his sin and need for salvation. |
| 8 | Psalms 39:12 → Hebrews 11:13 | Both passages recognize that we are but strangers or sojourners on this earth, and that our time is short. We should use our time wisely and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. |
| 9 | Psalms 39:13 → Romans 8:28 | The psalmist's expression of trust in God's goodness and sovereignty is reminiscent of the trust expressed in Romans 8:28, where Paul writes that 'all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.' |
| 10 | Psalms 39:4 → Ecclesiastes 3:11 | Both passages emphasize the importance of recognizing the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of using our time wisely in light of eternity. |
Sermons on Psalms 39
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Tears by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a Psalm or a couple of Psalms that focus on weeping, suffering, and grief. The first three verses describe a past event where God did somethin |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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Life Is a Vapor. Live Like It! by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a mindset aligned with God's perspective on life and eternity. It contrasts the worldly mindset that views life as forever with the |
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Martyrs Prayer (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young girl named Rebecca whose father was killed by lions because he loved Jesus. Rebecca and her brother were later taken |
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Psalm 37:7 by Bill Ammon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children. He compares it to a mother comforting and caring for her child. The preacher also di |
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Tongues on Fire by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of being mindful of our words. He highlights how lies and negative words can have a l |
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Pleasing God - Pt. 1 by Kay Smith | In this sermon, Chris Carlson emphasizes the importance of living with an attitude of pleasing the heart of God. He shares how his own awareness of this began when he witnessed the |
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Depression: The North American Epidemic by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of depression and how it can be caused by the normal problems of life. He emphasizes that even as believers, we can experience depr |
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Death of George Whitefield by E.A. Johnston | In the sermon transcripts, it is described how George Whitfield, a preacher of the word of God, was approached by a crowd at the home of Parsons, asking him to give them a final me |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 6, verse 12. He emphasizes the uncertainty and brevity of life, highlighting |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 39
In his commentary on Psalms 39, Matthew Henry notes that the psalmist is deeply concerned with the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of using our time wisely. Henry emphasizes that the psalmist's desire for wisdom is a reminder that we should seek to live wisely and to use our time well, in light of God's Word and His sovereignty. He also notes that the psalmist's trust in God's goodness and sovereignty is a reminder that God is in control of all things, and that we can trust in Him even in the face of adversity. As Henry writes, 'The psalmist's cry, "LORD, make me to know my end," is a solemn and searching prayer, which should be echoed in the heart of every believer.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The psalmist's use of metaphor
The psalmist uses the metaphor of breath to describe the fleeting nature of human life, emphasizing its transience and fragility. He also uses the metaphor of a stranger or sojourner to describe his experience in this world.
The psalmist's emphasis on eternity
The psalmist is deeply concerned with the eternal perspective, and desires to use his time wisely in light of eternity. He asks God to teach him to number his days, that he might gain a heart of wisdom.
The psalmist's expression of trust
Despite his struggles and doubts, the psalmist expresses his trust in God's goodness and his desire to be heard and answered by God.