What does Psalm chapter 39 mean?

This psalm features themes related to those seen in Psalm 38. Both mention David's repentance of sin and the consequences brought by God's discipline. The Bible assigns no incident to this passage, but it may be tied to David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:7–9).

David begins with a resolution to avoid speaking in the presence of certain evil people. These might have been critics, slanderers, or other enemies. His motive might have been to avoid giving them any further cause for attack. Or David might have worried his anger would cause him to speak inappropriately about the Lord. In either case, his frustration grows. Rather than holding back his feelings, David goes to God in prayer. He asks for a renewed appreciation for his own limitations. His life, and his troubles, are tiny from God's perspective. This attitude helps David place his trust in the Lord, not other people (Psalm 39:1–7).

Next, as in parts of Psalm 38, David expresses remorse for his personal sin (Psalm 38:8, 18). Perhaps the critics he mentioned earlier were provoked by his mistake. Instead of complaining, David seems to take this in stride, recognizing God as the one ultimately responsible for rebuking sin and wrongdoing. He asks to be forgiven and rescued from his stressful situation. David properly notes that he is only passing through this world, with an ultimate destination of eternity. He pleads to be removed from under God's judgment and restored to a condition of joy (Psalm 39:8–13).