What does Psalm 39:9 mean?

The choice to approach God in prayer, rather than complain, is not easy to make (James 3:1–5). Despite David's angst (Psalm 39:1–3), he knows it's better to be humble before God (Psalm 39:4–7). In this case, David is careful not to speak improperly in the presence of wicked people. That's frustrating, yet here David suggests at least some of his misery is godly discipline. He has sinned, and one of the consequences of his sin is that it has opened him up to criticisms from the ungodly, even when those are hypocritical or unfair (Psalm 39:8).

Suffering is never pleasant, but it can have a good purpose. Not all negative experiences are due to our mistakes (John 9:1–3). Yet when it's part of God's response to sin, suffering brings conviction and a desire to repent. This is not pleasant, but it is purposeful. Hebrews 12:10 explains that God disciplines His children for their good. Furthermore, the discipline is for a brief time but produces righteousness in His children. Verse 11 states: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Instead of being bitter or discouraged by discipline, believers should regard it as an opportunity to repent and grow spiritually (Hebrews 12:12–17).

Psalm 32 records the blessing David received by confessing his sin: "I acknowledge my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin" (Psalm 32:5).