Psalm 141:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 141:1-4

Mercy to accept what we do well, and grace to keep us from doing ill, are the two things which we are here taught by David's example to pray to God for. I. David loved prayer, and he begs of God that his prayers might be heard and answered, Ps. 141:1, 2. David cried unto God. His crying denotes fervency in prayer; he prayed as one in earnest. His crying to God denotes faith and fixedness in prayer. And what did he desire as the success of his prayer? 1. That God would take cognizance of it:... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 141:3

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ,.... While praying, as Jarchi and Kimchi; that he might not utter any rash, unguarded, and unbecoming word; but take and use the words which God gives, even the taught words of the Holy Ghost; or lest, being under affliction and oppression, he should speak unadvisedly with his lips, and utter any impatient murmuring and repining word against God; or express any fretfulness at the prosperity of the wicked, or speak evil of them; especially of Saul, the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:3

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth - While there are so many spies on my actions and words, I have need to be doubly guarded, that my enemies may have no advantage against me. Some think the prayer is against impatience; but if he were now going to Gath, it is more natural to suppose that he was praying to be preserved from dishonoring the truth, and from making sinful concessions in a heathen land; and at a court where, from his circumstances, it was natural to suppose he might be tempted... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:3

Verse 3 3.Set a watch, O Jehovah! upon my mouth. As David was liable to be hurt at the unbridled and unprincipled rage of his enemies, so as to be tempted to act in a manner that might not be justifiable, he prays for divine direction, and not that he might be kept back from manual violence merely, but that his tongue might be restrained from venting reproach, or words of complaint. Even persons of the most self-possessed temper, if unwarrantably injured, will some — times proceed to make... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 141:1-10

1. That prayer may be with him a settled institution ( Psalms 141:2 ). 2. That he may be saved from sins of the tongue ( Psalms 141:3 ). 3. That he may be saved from sins of thought or act ( Psalms 141:4 ). 4. That he may be given grace to welcome reproof ( Psalms 141:5 ). The circumstances of the time are then shortly touched. There has been a severe judgment on the rulers of the people ( Psalms 141:6 ), and a great national calamity ( Psalms 141:7 ), with the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 141:1-10

Acceptable sacrifices. The more distinctive teaching of this psalm respects— I. THE SACRIFICE OF PRAYER . ( Psalms 141:2 , Psalms 141:8 , Psalms 141:9 .) When the sacrificial services of the tabernacle (or temple) could not be rendered, it was open to the devout Israelite to "lift up his hands" in reverent, believing prayer. And this, we are sure, was acceptable to "him that heareth prayer." The essence of all sacrifice was an appeal to God by the spirit of man, the going... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 141:1-10

Keep me from the snares. This difficult psalm seems to be the cry of a greatly tempted soul. And the temptation now did not arise so much from the persecutions of the ungodly as from their seducing favors—what he calls "their dainties" ( Psalms 141:4 ). And he seems to have found this even harder to resist than their cruelty and harshness. Consider— I. THE SPIRIT OF THIS PRAYER . 1. Note its impassioned earnestness . ( Psalms 141:1 .) "Lord, I cry unto thee." No... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 141:1-10

A comprehensive prayer. The psalm has some peculiar difficulties, due to the extreme abruptness with which the thoughts follow one another, and the great obscurity which hangs over the allusions. Let us try and select the principal thoughts. 1. The psalmist was threatened with some immediate danger which could brook no delay . ( Psalms 141:1 .) Like the disciples in the storm on the lake. If relief comes at all, it must come at once. 2. He seeks that his prayer to this end... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 141:3

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; keep the door of my lips (comp. Psalms 39:1 ). David's was a hasty, impetuous temper, which required sharp control. He strove to "keep his own mouth with a bridle"—to " be dumb with silence, and hold his peace"—but this was not always possible for him of his own unassisted strength. He therefore makes his prayer to God for the Divine help. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 141:3

Keep the door of my lips. How needed is a sentinel and guard at the door! For lack of it, what mischief has been wrought! Who can recount all the ills of unguarded speech? I. LIP - SINS : THEIR CAUSE . 1. Impulsive temperament . Like as a stroke from the whip, which would only make the common cart-horse slowly shake his head, but would send the thorough-bred flying over the hedge in a very tornado of rage, so there are men who are never roused to hasty speech, they... read more

Group of Brands