The Brevity of Life and the Wisdom of Silence

"I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred."
In the artwork, there is a portrayal of a figure with their mouth gently closed, symbolizing restraint and silence amidst chaos. This reflects the psalmist's wisdom in refraining from speaking, especially in the presence of the wicked, to avoid sinning with their tongue. This image speaks to real-life situations where holding one’s peace can prevent further harm and allow deeper reflection. In life, we often find that silence in difficult moments allows space for wisdom to emerge and prevents words that could lead to regret.
"My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am."
The fire in the artwork represents the inner turmoil and intensity of the psalmist’s thoughts. The figure contemplates their mortality and fragility, a theme central to Psalm 39. The burning fire within symbolizes the process of deep reflection, which leads to a spoken prayer for understanding one's own mortality. This is a connection to real life, where moments of intense inner reflection often lead to a better understanding of our purpose and place in the world, driving us to seek clarity from a higher power.
"Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them."
The fleeting nature of human life is depicted in the fading figure in the artwork, a visual metaphor for the brevity of existence. Life, as the psalmist reflects, is like a handbreadth—a mere span. Even at our best, we are transient beings. The imagery here conveys the futility of worldly pursuits, such as the accumulation of riches, which ultimately amount to nothing. This resonates with real life, reminding us that material wealth is temporary and that focusing on spiritual fulfillment and our relationship with God is what truly matters.
"And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it."
In the center of the artwork, a figure lifts their eyes upward, symbolizing hope and deliverance from the Lord. This reflects the psalmist’s cry for redemption and the acceptance of God's judgment. The art captures a moment of surrender, where the psalmist waits for deliverance from sin and foolishness. In real life, this serves as a reminder that our ultimate hope and deliverance lie in God, and even in the face of suffering, we must place our trust in Him.
"Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity."
The delicate image of a moth in the artwork, symbolizing fragility, mirrors the transience of human beauty and life. Just as a moth's beauty fades and is consumed, so too does the vitality of human life under God's rebuke. This visual reinforces the psalm’s meditation on the fleeting nature of physical beauty and strength. In life, this serves as a reminder to focus on inner righteousness and the eternal rather than the temporary aspects of our existence.
"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more."
The closing section of the artwork portrays a figure on a journey, representing the psalmist’s acknowledgment of life as a pilgrimage—a temporary passage. The imagery of a sojourner reflects the human condition: we are strangers on earth, passing through this life on our way to eternity. The figure’s tears are a call for mercy, strength, and understanding from the Lord before their journey ends. This connects to real life by reminding us that we are all travelers in this world, seeking strength and guidance from God as we move through our temporary existence toward eternity.
Psalm 39 offers profound insights into the human experience, addressing the inevitable reality of mortality and the need for wisdom in navigating life’s trials. It reminds us to be mindful of our words, to seek understanding of our limited time on earth, and to place our hope in God rather than in material possessions. In a world where distractions and the pursuit of wealth often take precedence, this psalm calls for deeper reflection on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our spiritual journey.
The artwork "The Brevity of Life and the Wisdom of Silence" serves as a visual meditation on these themes, offering viewers a contemplative space to reflect on their own lives, their relationship with God, and the wisdom found in silence, prayer, and trust in the Lord.
This psalm reminds us that life is short, beauty fades, and worldly pursuits are ultimately vanity. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in God’s mercy and guidance, knowing that our journey is temporary and our true home is with Him.