Psalms 141:1-10 - Homilies By C. Short

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 may be as acceptable as the incense of sacrifice . ( Psalms 141:2 .) True prayer more effectual than sacrifice.

3. But , though danger is close at hand , he would be preserved from hasty words . ( Psalms 141:3 .) Religion should help us to be self-contained in the presence of danger.

4. Though wickedness may seem to prosper , we must not be tempted by its success . ( Psalms 141:4 .) If men become rich in evil doing, we must not be seduced by the prospects of similar gain.

5. The wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy . ( Psalms 141:5 .) It is good to welcome reproof from the righteous, even though it seems harsh.

6. Prayer is a better defense against persecutors than retaliation . ( Psalms 141:5 .) If we cannot conquer wickedness, we have still the resource and the comfort of prayer for our enemies.

7. When the leaders of insurrection are overthrown , then their followers should hear words of forgiveness . ( Psalms 141:6 .) A true sovereign will delight more in amnesty than in punishment. His words will be sweet to the guilty. So also in private relations.

8. The bones of those straitened in a righteous cause are as seed cast into soil that has been ploughed . ( Psalms 141:7 .) "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." The allusion here is obscure; but the above would make a good meaning.

9. But do not give up my life to destruction ; but rescue me . ( Psalms 141:8-10 .) This the repetition of the prayer at the beginning of the psalm. How much all prayer is a repetition, because the some wants and desires are continually recurring!—S.