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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 39:11 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</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/39-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/19_Psa_039_011.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 39:11 - I Will Watch My Ways" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. 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Each of us is but a breath. Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/39.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/39.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/39.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man <i>is</i> vanity. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/39.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When with rebukes You correct man for iniquity, You make his beauty melt away like a moth; Surely every man <i>is</i> vapor. Selah</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/39.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“With rebukes You punish a person for wrongdoing; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; Certainly all mankind is mere breath! Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/39.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity; You consume as a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/39.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“With reproofs Thou dost chasten a man for iniquity; Thou dost consume as a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/39.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity; You consume as a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is vanity. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/39.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“With rebukes You discipline man for sin; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/39.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You discipline a person with punishment for iniquity, consuming like a moth what is precious to him; yes, every human being is only a vapor. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/39.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You discipline a man with punishment for sin, consuming like a moth what is precious to him; every man is only a vapor. Selah &#8220 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/39.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: Surely every man is vanity. [Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/39.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You punish us severely because of our sins. Like a moth, you destroy what we treasure most. We are as frail as a breath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/39.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/39.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />With stern warnings you discipline people for their crimes. Like a moth you eat away at what is dear to them. Certainly, everyone is like a whisper in the wind. [Selah]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/39.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You punish our sins by your rebukes, and like a moth you destroy what we love. Indeed we are no more than a puff of wind! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/39.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You rebuke by chastening a man with the consequence of iniquities; you destroy what is attractive to him, as one would treat a moth. Indeed, every person is a puff of wind. Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/39.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/39.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You severely discipline people for their sins; like a moth you slowly devour their strength. Surely all people are a mere vapor. (Selah) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/39.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, You consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath." Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/39.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/39.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, you consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath.” Selah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/39.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />With reproofs against iniquity, "" You have corrected man, "" And dissolve his desirableness as a moth, "" Only, every man [is] vanity. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/39.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> With reproofs against iniquity, Thou hast corrected man, And dost waste as a moth his desirableness, Only, vanity is every man. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/39.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />With corrections for iniquity thou didst correct man, and thou wilt melt down as a moth his beauty: surely every man is vanity. Silence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/39.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />thou hast corrected man for iniquity. And thou hast made his soul to waste away like a spider : surely in vain is any man disquieted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/39.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 38:12>I fall short at corrections from the strength of your hand. For you have chastised man for iniquity. And you have made his soul shrink away like a spider. Nevertheless, it is in vain that any man be disquieted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/39.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You chastise man with rebukes for sin; like a moth you consume his treasures. Every man is but a breath. <i>Selah</i> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/39.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“You chastise mortals in punishment for sin, consuming like a moth what is dear to them; surely everyone is a mere breath. Selah<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/39.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I am consumed by rebuke on account of my sins; thou dost chastise a man and dost remove his desires like stubble. Verily all men are like a breath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/39.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I am wasted by rebuke for the sake of my sins. You have chastened man, and you have put away his desires like stubble and all the children of men are like a vapor.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/39.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />With rebukes dost Thou chasten man for iniquity, And like a moth Thou makest his beauty to consume away; Surely every man is vanity. Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/39.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou chastenest man with rebukes for iniquity, and thou makest his life to consume away like a spider's web; nay, every man is disquieted in vain. Pause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/39-11.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=4634" 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">10</span>Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3256.htm" title="3256: yis·sar·tā (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- To discipline, chasten, admonish. A primitive root; to chastise, literally or figuratively; hence, to instruct.">You discipline</a> <a href="/hebrew/8433.htm" title="8433: bə·ṯō·w·ḵā·ḥō·wṯ (Prep-b:: N-fp) -- And towkachath; from yakach; chastisement; figuratively correction, refutation, proof.">and correct</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ā·wōn (N-cs) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">his iniquity,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4529.htm" title="4529: wat·te·mes (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To melt, dissolve, be liquefied. A primitive root; to dissolve.">consuming</a> <a href="/hebrew/6211.htm" title="6211: kā·‘āš (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A moth. From ashesh; a moth.">like a moth</a> <a href="/hebrew/2530.htm" title="2530: ḥă·mū·ḏōw (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-msc:: 3ms) -- To desire, take pleasure in. A primitive root; to delight in.">what he holds dear;</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">each</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: he·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">is but a vapor.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5542.htm" title="5542: se·lāh (Interjection) -- To lift up, exalt. From calah; suspension, i.e. Pause.">Selah</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>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.…<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/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-2</a></span><br />“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13</a></span><br />his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16-18</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-7.htm">Job 7:7</a></span><br />Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-11</a></span><br />And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Proverbs 30:8-9</a></span><br />Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/13-28.htm">Job 13:28</a></span><br />So man wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-7.htm">1 Timothy 6:7</a></span><br />For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2</a></span><br />“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When you with rebukes do correct man for iniquity, you make his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">When</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Psalm 38:1-8</a></b></br> A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-7.htm">Psalm 90:7-10</a></b></br> For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/5-5.htm">1 Corinthians 5:5</a></b></br> To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.</p><p class="hdg">his beauty [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/102-10.htm">Psalm 102:10,11</a></b></br> Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-19.htm">Job 4:19</a></b></br> How much less <i>in</i> them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation <i>is</i> in the dust, <i>which</i> are crushed before the moth?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-28.htm">Job 13:28</a></b></br> And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.</p><p class="hdg">surely</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5</a></b></br> Behold, thou hast made my days <i>as</i> an handbreadth; and mine age <i>is</i> as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state <i>is</i> altogether vanity. Selah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Chasten</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/job/40-2.htm">Correct</a> <a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/psalms/17-15.htm">Form</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/36-8.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/job/27-18.htm">Moth</a> <a href="/psalms/36-7.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/psalms/38-1.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm">Rebukes</a> <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm">Reproofs</a> <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/psalms/39-10.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/psalms/38-3.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/45-11.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/psalms/94-12.htm">Chasten</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/psalms/94-10.htm">Correct</a> <a href="/psalms/50-17.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Form</a> <a href="/psalms/45-3.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/41-6.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Makest</a> <a href="/psalms/56-4.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-9.htm">Moth</a> <a href="/psalms/45-9.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/psalms/50-8.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/psalms/57-3.htm">Rebukes</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Reproofs</a> <a href="/psalms/44-8.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/41-6.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/psalms/44-12.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Wrath</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>You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity</b><br>This phrase highlights God's role as a just and righteous judge. Discipline and correction are consistent themes throughout Scripture, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in holiness (<a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-11</a>). The concept of divine discipline is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where correction is a sign of God's love and commitment to their spiritual growth. Iniquity refers to moral wrongdoing or sin, which separates humanity from God (<a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a>). The process of discipline is meant to bring about repentance and restoration, aligning with the biblical principle that God desires mercy and not sacrifice (<a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a>).<p><b>consuming like a moth what he holds dear</b><br>The imagery of a moth consuming possessions is a metaphor for the transient nature of earthly treasures and the futility of placing ultimate value on them. In the ancient Near Eastern context, moths were known for destroying valuable fabrics, symbolizing how material wealth can quickly deteriorate (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-20</a>). This phrase serves as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly possessions and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven. The consumption by a moth can also be seen as a form of divine judgment, where God allows the decay of what is cherished to redirect focus towards eternal values.<p><b>surely each man is but a vapor</b><br>This statement underscores the brevity and fragility of human life. The metaphor of life as a vapor is echoed in other biblical texts, such as <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which describes life as a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This perspective encourages humility and dependence on God, recognizing that human existence is fleeting compared to the eternal nature of God. The acknowledgment of life's transience is meant to lead individuals to seek wisdom and live in accordance with God's will (<a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a>).<p><b>Selah</b><br>The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to meditate on the truths presented, allowing the weight of the message to resonate deeply. In this context, "Selah" encourages contemplation on the themes of divine discipline, the impermanence of earthly possessions, and the fleeting nature of human life, prompting a response of introspection and spiritual realignment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/39.htm">Psalm 39</a>, David is expressing his reflections on the brevity of life and the discipline of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The divine being who disciplines and teaches through trials and tribulations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moth.htm">Moth</a></b><br>Used metaphorically to describe the consuming nature of God's discipline, emphasizing the fragility and temporary nature of human possessions and achievements.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_divine_discipline.htm">Understanding Divine Discipline</a></b><br>God's discipline is a form of love and correction, intended to guide us back to righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_earthly_possessions.htm">The Temporary Nature of Earthly Possessions</a></b><br>Like a moth consumes fabric, God can remove what we hold dear to remind us of the impermanence of material things.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/life's_brevity.htm">Life's Brevity</a></b><br>Recognize that life is fleeting, and we should focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflection_and_repentance.htm">Reflection and Repentance</a></b><br>Use times of discipline as opportunities for self-reflection and repentance, aligning our lives with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust that God's actions, even when they involve loss or discipline, are part of His sovereign plan for our growth and ultimate good.<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/psalm_39_11__how_does_god_'consume'_wealth.htm">Psalm 39:11 – How can God “consume” one’s wealth like a moth, and is there any archaeological or historical basis for this metaphor? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_you_truly_listen_and_understand.htm">Can you truly listen and understand?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_sexual_temptation.htm">What does the Bible say about sexual temptation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_righteous_suffer_hardships.htm">Proverbs 3:33 states the Lord curses the wicked and blesses the righteous--how do we reconcile this with righteous people facing severe hardships and injustices?</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>(11) <span class= "bld">When.</span>--This is unnecessary. <span class= "ital">With judgments for sin Thou chastenest a man.</span><p><span class= "bld">Rebukes.</span>--The word rendered "reproofs" in <a href="/psalms/38-14.htm" title="Thus I was as a man that hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.">Psalm 38:14</a>, where see Note.<p><span class= "bld">Beauty.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">Something desirable. </span>(See margin.) <span class= "ital">Thou, like a moth </span>(consuming a garment: see Pr. Bk. Version), <span class= "ital">causest his desirable things to melt. </span>(<span class= "ital">For </span>the image, singularly apt. and natural in a country where "changes of raiment" were so prized, and hoarded up as wealth, comp. <a href="/job/13-28.htm" title="And he, as a rotten thing, consumes, as a garment that is moth eaten.">Job 13:28</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm" title="Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:">Matthew 6:19</a>; <a href="/james/5-2.htm" title="Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.">James 5:2</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/39.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity</span>. The calamities which God sends on a man are of the nature of "rebukes" addressed to his spirit. They are intended to teach, instruct, warn, deter from evil-doing (see <a href="/job/36-8.htm">Job 36:8-10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth</span>; or, "thou dost consume, as by a moth, what he prizes;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> his health, his strength, "all wherein he has joy and satisfaction" (Hengstenberg). As a moth corrodes a beautiful garment, so does thy displeasure and heavy hand pressing on him corrode and destroy all which constituted his delight and glory. <span class="cmt_word">Surely every man is vanity</span> (comp. ver. 5 <span class="accented">ad</span> fin.). This has become a sort of refrain, terminating the second as well as the first part of the psalm (comp. <a href="/psalms/107-8.htm">Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:1, 11, 15, 19, 21, 23, 26</a>; <a href="/isaiah/9-12.htm">Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/39-11.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">You discipline</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסַּ֬רְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(yis·sar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3256.htm">Strong's 3256: </a> </span><span class="str2">To discipline, chasten, admonish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and correct</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּֽתוֹכָ֘ח֤וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯō·w·ḵā·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8433.htm">Strong's 8433: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, correction, refutation, proof</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֗ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his iniquity,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָוֺ֨ן ׀</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·wōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">consuming</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֶּ֣מֶס</span> <span class="translit">(wat·te·mes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4529.htm">Strong's 4529: </a> </span><span class="str2">To melt, dissolve, be liquefied</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a moth</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּעָ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(kā·‘āš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6211.htm">Strong's 6211: </a> </span><span class="str2">A moth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what he holds dear;</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמוּד֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·mū·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2530.htm">Strong's 2530: </a> </span><span class="str2">To desire, take pleasure in</span><br /><br /><span class="word">surely</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֤ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of affirmation, surely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">each</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] but a vapor.</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֖בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Selah</span><br /><span class="heb">סֶֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(se·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5542.htm">Strong's 5542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suspension, pause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/39-11.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 39:11 When you rebuke and correct man (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/39-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 39:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 39:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/39-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 39:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 39:12" /></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>