What does Psalm 39:11 mean?

David recognized that his frustrations about wicked people (Psalm 39:1–3) were ultimately brought about by his own sinful actions. God was correcting David with loving consequences, teaching him to change and turn away from those actions. The Lord weakened David to show him that life is uncertain and brief (Psalm 39:4–7). In acknowledging his sin (Psalm 39:8–10), David responds to discipline in a godly way.

Moths and other insects can quickly destroy fabrics and other possessions. This was even more a danger in the ancient world before synthetic fabrics and pest control. Just as suddenly and surely, the Lord can "consume" what is dear to a man. David already realized that heaping up wealth contributed nothing to eternity (Psalm 39:6). Earthly treasure remains behind when a person dies, but eternal treasure awaits the faithful servant of God when he enters heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). The apostle Paul understood the vanity of earthly treasure and the value of heavenly treasure. Therefore, he exhorted the Colossian Christians: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:1–2).