Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Set a guard, O LORDThe phrase "Set a guard" invokes the imagery of a vigilant sentinel, a protector who stands watch to prevent any harm or breach. In the Hebrew text, the word for "guard" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to keep, watch, or preserve. This word is often used in the context of God's protective care over His people. The psalmist, David, is appealing to the LORD, acknowledging His supreme authority and ability to safeguard. This plea reflects a deep understanding of human frailty and the need for divine intervention in controlling one's speech. Historically, the role of a guard was crucial in ancient cities, where the safety of the inhabitants depended on the vigilance of those who watched over the gates. Spiritually, this request signifies a desire for God’s active involvement in the believer's life, particularly in the realm of communication. over my mouth keep watch at the door of my lips Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this psalm, David is seeking God's help in controlling his speech. As a king and a man after God's own heart, David often faced situations where his words could have significant impact. 2. The LORD The divine being whom David addresses, asking for assistance in guarding his speech. This reflects David's reliance on God for personal sanctification. 3. The Mouth and Lips Metaphorical places in this verse, representing the source of speech and communication. David uses these terms to emphasize the need for divine intervention in controlling what he says. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to build up or tear down. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech, recognizing its potential impact on others and ourselves. Dependence on God Like David, we should seek God's help in controlling our speech. This dependence is a sign of humility and recognition of our own limitations. Self-Control and Discipline Guarding our speech requires self-control, a fruit of the Spirit. We should actively practice discipline in our communication. Prayer as a Tool David's prayer is a model for us. We should regularly pray for God's guidance in our speech, asking Him to help us speak words that honor Him. Accountability We should seek accountability from fellow believers to help us maintain integrity in our speech, encouraging one another to speak truth and love. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's request for God to guard his mouth reflect his understanding of human nature and the power of words?2. In what ways can we practically apply the principle of guarding our speech in our daily interactions? 3. How does the teaching in James 3 about the tongue relate to David's prayer in Psalm 141:3? 4. What role does prayer play in helping us control our speech, and how can we incorporate this into our spiritual disciplines? 5. How can we hold each other accountable in our speech within our Christian communities, and what are some practical steps to do so? Connections to Other Scriptures James 3:2-12This passage discusses the power of the tongue and the difficulty of taming it, echoing David's plea for divine help in controlling speech. Proverbs 13:3 This proverb highlights the wisdom in guarding one's mouth, reinforcing the idea that careful speech leads to preservation of life. Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus teaches about the accountability of every word spoken, which aligns with David's desire for God to guard his speech.
People David, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Door, Guard, Lips, Mouth, O, WatchDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 141:3 5164 lips Library The Incense of Prayer'Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.'--PSALM cxli. 2. The place which this psalm occupies in the Psalter, very near its end, makes it probable that it is considerably later in date than the prior portions of the collection. But the Psalmist, who here penetrates to the inmost meaning of the symbolic sacrificial worship of the Old Testament, was not helped to his clear-sightedness by his date, but by his devotion. For throughout … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Evening Hymns And Lest it Should Seem that Necessary Continence was to be Hoped for From... For Acceptance in Prayer, and Daily Guidance. --Ps. cxli. Epistle xxxv. To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria. How Some of the Heavenly Lovers Died Also of Love. That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone In this So Great Conflict, Wherein Man under Grace Lives... The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers. Wherefore Let this be the First Thought for the Putting on of Humility... Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. The Daily Walk with Others (I. ). An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis Prayer Psalms Links Psalm 141:3 NIVPsalm 141:3 NLT Psalm 141:3 ESV Psalm 141:3 NASB Psalm 141:3 KJV Psalm 141:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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