Psalms 39:3

3 My heart was burning in my breast; while I was deep in thought the fire was lighted; then I said with my tongue,

Psalms 39:3 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 39:3

My heart was hot within me
Either with zeal for God; or rather with envy at the prosperity of wicked men, and with impatience at his own afflictions;

while I was musing the fire burned;
not the fire of the divine word, while he was meditating upon it, which caused his heart to burn within him; nor the fire of divine love, the coals whereof give a most vehement flame, when the love of God is shed abroad in the heart, and the thoughts of it are directed by the Spirit of God to dwell in meditation on it; but the fire of passion, anger, and resentment, while meditating on his own adversity, and the prosperity of others;

[then] spake I with my tongue;
and so broke the resolution he had made, ( Psalms 39:1 ) ; he spoke not for God, though to him; not by way of thankfulness for his grace and goodness to him, in supporting him under his exercises; but in a way of complaint, because of his afflictions; it was in prayer he spoke to God with his tongue, and it was unadvisedly with his lips, as follows.

Psalms 39:3 In-Context

1 I said, I will give attention to my ways, so that my tongue may do no wrong; I will keep my mouth under control, while the sinner is before me.

2 I made no sound, I said no word, even of good; and I was moved with sorrow.

3 My heart was burning in my breast; while I was deep in thought the fire was lighted; then I said with my tongue,

4 Lord, give me knowledge of my end, and of the measure of my days, so that I may see how feeble I am.

5 You have made my days no longer than a hand's measure; and my years are nothing in your eyes; truly, every man is but a breath. (Selah.)