Psalm 141:3

3 Set a watch, O Lord, on my mouth, and a strong door about by lips.

Psalm 141:3 Meaning and 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 Lord's anointed, for the ill usage of him; keep the door of my lips;
which are as a door that opens and shuts: this he desires might be kept as with a bridle, especially while the wicked were before him; lest he should say anything they would use against him, and to the reproach of religion; and that no corrupt communication, or any foolish and filthy talk, or idle and unprofitable words, might proceed from them. The phrase signifies the same as the other; he was sensible of his own inability to keep a proper watch and guard over his words, as was necessary, and therefore prays the Lord to do it; see ( Psalms 39:1 ) .

Psalm 141:3 In-Context

1 O Lord, I have cried to thee; hear me: attend to the voice of my supplication, when I cry to thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O Lord, on my mouth, and a strong door about by lips.

4 Incline not my heart to evil things, to employ pretexts for sins, with me who work iniquity: and let me not unite with their choice ones.

5 The righteous shall chasten me with mercy, and reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head: for yet shall my prayer also be in their pleasures.

6 Their mighty ones have been swallowed up near the rock: they shall hear my words, for they are sweet.

7 As a lump of earth is crushed upon the ground, our bones have been scattered by the mouth of the grave.

8 For mine eyes are to thee, O Lord God: I have hoped in thee; take not away my life.

9 Keep me from the snare which they have set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of them that work iniquity.

10 Sinners shall fall by their own net: I am alone until I shall escape.