September 10: Psalm 39; 1 Samuel 31; Daniel 11:2–45; Luke 7:36–8:3

Psalms and Wisdom: Psalm 39 Psalm 39 (Listen) What Is the Measure of My Days? To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 39   I said, “I will guard my ways,<br />    that I may not sin with my tongue;<br />  I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,<br />    so long as the wicked are in my presence.”<br />2   I was mute and silent;<br />    I held my peace to no avail,<br />  and my distress grew worse.<br />3     My heart became hot within me.<br />  As I mused, the fire burned;<br />    then I spoke with my tongue:<br /> 4   “O LORD, make me know my end<br />    and what is the measure of my days;<br />    let me know how fleeting I am!<br />5   Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,<br />    and my lifetime is as nothing before you.<br />  Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah<br />6     Surely a man goes about as a shadow!<br />  Surely for nothing1 they are in turmoil;<br />    man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!<br />