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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 39:2 I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/39-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_039_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 39:2 - I Will Watch My Ways" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/39-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/39-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/39.htm">Chapter 39</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm" title="Psalm 39:1">◄</a> Psalm 39:2 <a href="/psalms/39-3.htm" title="Psalm 39:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/39.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/39.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/39.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But as I stood there in silence— not even speaking of good things— the turmoil within me grew worse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/39.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/39.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/39.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, <i>even</i> from good; and my sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/39.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I was mute with silence, I held my peace <i>even</i> from good; And my sorrow was stirred up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/39.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was mute and silent, I refused to say <i>even something</i> good, And my pain was stirred up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/39.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I was mute and silent, I refrained even from good, And my sorrow grew worse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/39.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I was dumb and silent, I refrained <i>even</i> from good; And my sorrow grew worse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/39.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I was mute with silence, I <i>even</i> kept silent from <i>speaking</i> good, And my anguish grew worse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/39.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I was mute and silent [before my enemies], I refrained <i>even</i> from good, And my distress grew worse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/39.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/39.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/39.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; And my sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/39.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I kept completely silent, but it did no good, and I hurt even worse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/39.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/39.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I remained totally speechless. I kept silent, although it did me no good. While I was deep in thought, my pain grew worse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/39.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I kept quiet, not saying a word, not even about anything good! But my suffering only grew worse, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/39.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I was as silent as a mute person; I said nothing, not even something good, and my distress deepened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/39.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/39.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I was stone silent; I held back the urge to speak. My frustration grew; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/39.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/39.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/39.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/39.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I was mute [with] silence, "" I kept silent from good, and my pain is excited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/39.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I was dumb with silence, I kept silent from good, and my pain is excited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/39.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I was dumb with silence, I was silent from good, and my pain was moved.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/39.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I was dumb, and was humbled, and kept silence from good things : and my sorrow was renewed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/39.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 38:3>I was silenced and humbled, and I was quiet before good things, and my sorrow was renewed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/39.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Mute and silent before the wicked, I refrain from good things. But my sorrow increases; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/39.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I was silent and still; I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/39.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I was dumb and sorrowful, I was wretched, I held myself aloof, even from good; and my sorrow was multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/39.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I was dumb; I was sorrowful and grieved for what is good and my sorrow was agitated.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/39.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I was dumb with silence; I held my peace, had no comfort; And my pain was held in check.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/39.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I was dumb, and humbled myself, and kept silence from good <i>words</i>; and my grief was renewed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/39-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=4561" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/39.htm">I Will Watch My Ways</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 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.” <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/481.htm" title="481: ne·’ĕ·lam·tî (V-Nifal-Perf-1cs) -- To bind. A primitive root; to tie fast; hence to be tongue-tied.">I was speechless</a> <a href="/hebrew/1747.htm" title="1747: ḏū·mî·yāh (N-fs) -- A silence, a quiet waiting, repose. From damah; stillness; adverbially, silently; abstractly quiet, trust.">and still;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2814.htm" title="2814: he·ḥĕ·šê·ṯî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- To be silent, inactive, or still. A primitive root; to hush or keep quiet.">I remained silent,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: miṭ·ṭō·wḇ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">even from speaking good,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3511.htm" title="3511: ū·ḵə·’ê·ḇî (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A pain. From ka'ab; suffering, adversity.">and my sorrow</a> <a href="/hebrew/5916.htm" title="5916: ne‘·kār (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To stir up, disturb, trouble. A primitive root; properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict.">was stirred.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a></span><br />Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.</p><p class="hdg">I was</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Psalm 38:13,14</a></b></br> But I, as a deaf <i>man</i>, heard not; and <i>I was</i> as a dumb man <i>that</i> openeth not his mouth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></b></br> He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a></b></br> And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing… </p><p class="hdg">even</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-6.htm">Matthew 7:6</a></b></br> Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.</p><p class="hdg">my sorrow</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-19.htm">Job 32:19,20</a></b></br> Behold, my belly <i>is</i> as wine <i>which</i> hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20</a></b></br> For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.</p><p class="hdg">stirred [heb.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/38-8.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/job/41-26.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/psalms/32-9.htm">Check</a> <a href="/psalms/36-2.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/psalms/35-26.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/exodus/35-21.htm">Excited</a> <a href="/psalms/38-20.htm">Good</a> <a href="/job/31-18.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/psalms/34-21.htm">Held</a> <a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/38-16.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Mute</a> <a href="/psalms/38-17.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/psalms/38-3.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/job/29-9.htm">Refrained</a> <a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/psalms/33-3.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/job/17-8.htm">Stirred</a> <a href="/psalms/33-9.htm">Word</a> <a href="/job/35-6.htm">Worse</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/48-6.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-10.htm">Check</a> <a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/psalms/55-17.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/psalms/39-9.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-9.htm">Excited</a> <a href="/psalms/40-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/39-3.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/psalms/55-14.htm">Held</a> <a href="/psalms/44-12.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/psalms/39-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/46-2.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/psalms/39-9.htm">Mute</a> <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/40-9.htm">Refrained</a> <a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/39-9.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/42-9.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/psalms/42-7.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/psalms/83-2.htm">Stirred</a> <a href="/psalms/40-10.htm">Word</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Worse</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 39</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">David's care of his thoughts</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">The consideration of the brevity and vanity of life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-7.htm">the reverence of God's judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/39-10.htm">and prayer, are his bridles of impatience</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/39.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/39.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I was speechless and still;</b><br>This phrase reflects a deliberate choice to refrain from speaking, often seen in biblical contexts as a form of self-control or meditation. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, silence could be a sign of wisdom or a way to avoid sinning with one's words. The psalmist's silence may also indicate a deep internal struggle or a response to overwhelming circumstances. This echoes the wisdom literature, such as <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a>, which suggests that even a fool is considered wise when silent. The psalmist's silence can be seen as a type of Christ, who, during His trial, remained silent before His accusers (<a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>, <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a>).<p><b>I remained silent, even from speaking good,</b><br>The decision to refrain from speaking good suggests a profound level of restraint, possibly due to the fear that even well-intentioned words might be misunderstood or lead to further trouble. This reflects the biblical principle found in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a>, which teaches that there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. The psalmist's silence, even from good, may indicate a period of introspection or waiting on God, similar to the way Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray and reflect (<a href="/luke/5-16.htm">Luke 5:16</a>).<p><b>and my sorrow was stirred.</b><br>The stirring of sorrow suggests an internal turmoil that grows in the absence of verbal expression. This can be seen as a reflection of the human condition, where unexpressed emotions can intensify. The psalmist's experience resonates with the broader biblical theme of lament, where individuals bring their deepest pains before God, as seen in the Book of Lamentations. This sorrow can also be connected to the suffering of Christ, who bore the weight of human sin and sorrow (<a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-4</a>). The psalmist's stirred sorrow may also point to the refining process of trials, as described in <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a>, where perseverance through suffering leads to spiritual maturity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/39.htm">Psalm 39</a>, David is expressing his inner turmoil and struggle with remaining silent in the face of his distress.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate audience of David's lament, as he seeks understanding and relief from his suffering.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist's_inner_conflict.htm">The Psalmist's Inner Conflict</a></b><br>The event of David's internal struggle with his emotions and the decision to remain silent, which is central to this verse.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_silence.htm">The Power of Silence</a></b><br>Silence can be a powerful tool in managing emotions and avoiding sin. David's choice to remain silent, even from speaking good, reflects a deep awareness of the potential consequences of his words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_struggle_with_inner_turmoil.htm">The Struggle with Inner Turmoil</a></b><br>David's experience shows that even the faithful can struggle with inner conflict and sorrow. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and seek God's guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_sorrow_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Sorrow in Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Sorrow can stir us to deeper reflection and reliance on God. David's stirred sorrow led him to a place of seeking God more earnestly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>There is wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. This discernment is crucial in maintaining peace and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god_in_silence.htm">Seeking God in Silence</a></b><br>In moments of silence, we can turn our hearts to God, allowing Him to work in us and through us, even when words fail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_39.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 39</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/day_26_insights_on_spiritual_growth.htm">What events define the Triumphal Entry in Volume 23?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_spiritual_food.htm">What does 'Joy Comes in the Morning' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_43_2_imply_god_forsakes.htm">Why does Psalm 43:2 suggest God has forsaken the writer, when other passages emphasize God's constant presence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_psalm_89_34_consistent.htm">Psalm 89:34 insists God will never break His covenant, yet the psalmist laments the downfall of David's lineage--how could this be seen as consistent?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/39.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Even from good.</span>--This interpretation, while following the LXX., Vulg., and most ancient versions, is suspicious, since the particle, rendered <span class= "ital">from, </span>is not generally used in this sense after a verb expressing silence. Indeed there is only one instance which at all supports this rendering (<a href="/1_kings/22-3.htm" title="And the king of Israel said to his servants, Know you that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?">1Kings 22:3</a>, margin). Nor does the context require or even admit it. If the bright side of things had been so evident that he could speak of it the Psalmist would not have feared reproach for doing so, nor was there cause for his silence "as to the law," the rabbinical mode of explaining the passage. The obvious translation makes the clause parallel with that which follows: "I held my peace <span class= "ital">without profit. </span>My sorrow was increased," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>instead of lessening my grief by silence, I only increased it.<p><span class= "bld">Stirred.</span>--The LXX. and Vulg. "renewed," which is nearer the meaning than either the Authorised Version or margin.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/39.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good</span>. Some explain, "I held my peace, but <span class="accented">it did me no good</span> - I was none the better for it" (Hupfeld, Hengstenberg, Canon Cook); others adopt the Prayer-book Version, I kept silence <span class="accented">even from good words"</span> (Kay, Alexander, Revised Version). <span class="cmt_word">And my sorrow was stirred</span>. The pain at my heart was not quieted thereby, nor even lessened; rather, it was roused up, quickened, and aggravated. This is the natural result of repressing any strong feeling. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/39-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">I was speechless</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶאֱלַ֣מְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(ne·’ĕ·lam·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_481.htm">Strong's 481: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tie fast, to be tongue-tied</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and still;</span><br /><span class="heb">ד֭וּמִיָּה</span> <span class="translit">(ḏū·mî·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1747.htm">Strong's 1747: </a> </span><span class="str2">A silence, a quiet waiting, repose</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I held my peace,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶחֱשֵׁ֣יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḥĕ·šê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2814.htm">Strong's 2814: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be silent, inactive, or still</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[even] from good,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִטּ֑וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(miṭ·ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and my sorrow</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְאֵבִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·’ê·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3511.htm">Strong's 3511: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suffering, adversity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was stirred.</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶעְכָּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ne‘·kār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5916.htm">Strong's 5916: </a> </span><span class="str2">To roil water, to disturb, affict</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/39-2.htm">Psalm 39:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/39-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 39:2 I was mute with silence (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/39-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 39:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 39:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/39-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 39:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 39:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>