Dealing with the Shortness and Futility of Life

A troubling question is pondered in this Psalm, “Why is life so brief and why does it seem meaningless?” This is a question that has plagued man since the fall, no doubt. At times, we seek the answer more seriously than others. During times of trouble, when death has seized another victim when failure or illness has entered our path, we muse on this question. The psalmist is no different; he is also troubled by this question. 

To whom do you turn with questions of life and faith? (vs. 1-3).

James Montgomery Boice, in his excellent commentary on the Psalms, writes, 

“…David is troubled about the brevity and corresponding vanity of life. But what he tells us here is why he was keeping silent. It was because of “the wicked” who were around him. Why should that be a problem? The answer is that he knew how his words would be misunderstood and misused by such persons. To them, his words would seem to be a criticism of God and his ways. Therefore, although David was troubled to the point of boiling over inside, he refused to express himself in their presence. In fact, when he finally does speak, it is not to men or women at all, whether wicked or righteous, but to God to whom he expresses his anguish and from whom he seeks wisdom.” 

Dr. Boice then lists four things we can learn from David in this Psalm,

1. What we say is vitally important; we can sin with our mouths as well as with other parts of our bodies.

2. It is better to be silent than to say things that can be used against God by wicked persons.

3. We should not be anxious to share such grief even with godly persons.

 We should bring our troubles to God.