141:2 141:2

Psalms 141:3

141:4 141:4

Bible Versions

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Set {H7896} a watch {H8108}, O LORD {H3068}, before my mouth {H6310}; keep {H5341} the door {H1817} of my lips {H8193}.
Set a guard, ADONAI, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Set a watch, O Jehovah, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3 is a profound prayer from David, asking God for divine assistance in controlling his speech. Recognizing the immense power and potential for sin inherent in words, the psalmist pleads for vigilance over his mouth and lips, treating them as a gateway that needs guarding.

Context of Psalm 141:3

This verse is part of a psalm of supplication, likely written by David during a time of intense personal trial, possibly facing threats from enemies or dealing with unrighteous accusations. The psalm begins with an urgent cry for God to hear his prayer (Psalm 141:1-2) and then immediately shifts to a request for spiritual discipline, particularly regarding speech. David understands that in times of stress or temptation, it is easy to speak rashly, complain, or even curse. He prays for God to prevent him from speaking evil or joining in the wickedness of those around him, as hinted at in Psalm 141:4.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Control of the Tongue: The primary theme is the critical importance of bridling one's speech. David acknowledges human weakness in this area and seeks divine intervention.
  • Dependence on God: The prayer "Set a watch, O LORD" highlights absolute reliance on God for self-control and spiritual integrity, especially when facing external pressures or temptations.
  • Protection from Sin: By asking God to "keep the door of my lips," David seeks protection from committing sins through his words—whether lying, slandering, complaining, or speaking carelessly.
  • Spiritual Vigilance: The imagery of a "watch" and a "door" emphasizes the need for constant spiritual alertness concerning what proceeds from one's mouth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "watch" is shamar (שָׁמַר), which means to guard, keep, observe, or preserve. It implies an active, diligent protection, much like a sentry guarding a post. The word "door" (deleth, דֶּלֶת) refers to a literal door or gate, reinforcing the idea of the mouth as an entry point that must be carefully controlled to prevent harmful words from escaping or sinful influences from entering through speech. This imagery powerfully conveys the need for a divine gatekeeper over our words.

Practical Application

Psalm 141:3 serves as a timeless prayer for believers today. Our words carry immense power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse. In a world saturated with communication, the temptation to speak impulsively, critically, or carelessly is ever-present. This verse reminds us to:

By adopting David's prayer, we commit to seeking God's guidance in making our speech honor Him and bless others, reflecting a heart yielded to His will.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 1:26

    If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain.

  • Psalms 39:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

  • Micah 7:5

    Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

  • Psalms 34:13

    Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

  • James 3:2

    For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

  • Psalms 71:8

    Let my mouth be filled [with] thy praise [and with] thy honour all the day.

  • Psalms 17:3

    Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] in the night; thou hast tried me, [and] shalt find nothing; I am purposed [that] my mouth shall not transgress.
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