Psalms 39:2

KJV

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, [even] from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

KJV (with Strong's)

I was dumb {H481} with silence {H1747}, I held my peace {H2814}{H8689)}, even from good {H2896}; and my sorrow {H3511} was stirred {H5916}{H8738)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I was silent, said nothing, not even good; but my pain kept being stirred up.

Berean Standard Bible

I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.

American Standard Version

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; And my sorrow was stirred.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The psalmist's profound internal conflict is vividly portrayed, revealing the paradoxical outcome of his attempt to guard his tongue: instead of achieving peace, his suppressed sorrow intensified. Having resolved in the preceding verse to maintain strict silence to avoid sin, he discovers that this extreme restraint, even from speaking "good" or beneficial words, did not alleviate his distress but rather agitated his inner pain, causing his grief to fester and become turbulent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 39 is a deeply personal lament, traditionally attributed to David, which follows closely on the heels of [Psalm 38](/psalms/38 "Psalm 38 - A Prayer of a Suffering Sinner"), another psalm detailing intense physical and emotional anguish. The immediate literary context is crucial, as [Psalm 39:1](/psalms/39-1 "Psalm 39:1 - David's Resolve to Guard His Tongue") establishes the psalmist's firm resolution to "take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue." Verse 2 then presents the direct, and perhaps unintended, consequence of this vow: a burdensome, self-imposed silence that, rather than bringing calm, paradoxically stirs up his inner sorrow. The psalm then transitions into a broader meditation on human frailty, the brevity of life, and the fleeting nature of existence in the face of God's eternal perspective, culminating in a plea for divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally ascribed to David, the precise historical occasion for Psalm 39 is not specified, allowing its themes of suffering and the human condition to resonate universally. In ancient Israelite culture, lament was a recognized and vital form of prayer, providing a structured way for individuals and communities to express profound distress, confusion, and even anger to God. The concept of guarding one's tongue was also a significant theme in wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs), emphasizing discretion and avoiding rash speech, particularly in times of affliction or temptation. However, the psalmist's experience in [Psalms 39:2](/psalms/39-2 "Psalms 39:2 - The Burden of Silence") highlights a tension: while wise silence is commendable, an absolute, self-imposed muteness, especially in the face of overwhelming grief, could become counterproductive, leading to internal turmoil rather than spiritual discipline. The cultural understanding of suffering, often linked to sin or divine discipline, might also have influenced the psalmist's initial resolve to remain silent, perhaps to avoid complaining against God or speaking rashly in his affliction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **the burden of silence**, revealing that while restraint of speech can be a virtue, it can also become a heavy, oppressive weight, intensifying inner pain rather than alleviating it. The psalmist's experience underscores the paradoxical nature of suppressing genuine emotion. Secondly, it highlights the **internal conflict and festering sorrow** that can arise when one attempts to control external expression without adequately processing internal turmoil. David's struggle between his resolve to guard his tongue and the resulting agitation of his grief vividly portrays the complex relationship between expression and emotional well-being. Finally, the verse speaks to the **nature of suffering and withdrawal**, showing how intense pain can lead individuals to retreat, even from beneficial communication or expressions of faith, further isolating them in their distress. This withdrawal, even "from good," suggests a profound spiritual and emotional isolation that exacerbates rather than heals, ultimately driving the psalmist to a new form of lament in [Psalms 39:3](/psalms/39-3 "Psalms 39:3 - The Fire Kindles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Silence (Hebrew, _dûwmîyâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be silent," this word signifies stillness, quietude, and even a sense of waiting or trust. In this context, it describes the profound quietness the psalmist imposed upon himself, a state of being "dumb" or rendered speechless. It conveys not just the absence of sound, but a deep, almost oppressive stillness of speech.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This widely encompassing term refers to that which is beautiful, beneficial, pleasant, or morally upright. When the psalmist states he held his peace "even from good," it suggests an extreme and comprehensive suppression of speech, withholding not only potentially harmful words but also those that might have been helpful, comforting, or even words of legitimate lament or prayer directed to God. It highlights the extent of his self-imposed muteness.
* **Stirred (Hebrew, _ʻâkar'_):** This primitive root literally means "to roil water" or "to disturb." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of being troubled, agitated, or afflicted. In the context of the psalmist's sorrow, it powerfully illustrates how his suppressed internal pain became turbulent, chaotic, and intensified, rather than subsiding. The image is of a calm pool becoming muddy and disturbed from its depths.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I was dumb with silence":** This clause describes the psalmist's initial state of speechlessness. It conveys a sense of profound quietude, almost a paralysis of speech, which could stem from the overwhelming nature of his suffering or from a deliberate, perhaps misguided, vow to remain silent to avoid uttering rash or sinful words in his distress.
* **"I held my peace":** This phrase reiterates and reinforces the preceding one, emphasizing the psalmist's deliberate and conscious effort to maintain his silence. It highlights his active choice to restrain his tongue, aligning with his resolution stated in [Psalms 39:1](/psalms/39-1 "Psalm 39:1 - David's Resolve to Guard His Tongue"). This was not merely a passive state but an intentional act of self-control, born out of a desire to avoid sin.
* **"[even] from good":** This critical addition reveals the extreme extent of the psalmist's silence. He withheld not only potentially harmful or complaining words but also words that might have been beneficial, comforting, or even words of lament or prayer directed to God. This suggests a complete withdrawal, perhaps out of despair or a misguided attempt to avoid any utterance that might displease God, even if it meant suppressing legitimate grief.
* **"and my sorrow was stirred":** This final clause presents the paradoxical and detrimental outcome of his silence. Instead of finding relief or peace through his restraint, his internal pain, grief, and anguish became agitated, turbulent, and intensified. The imagery evokes a pool of water that, when stirred, becomes murky and chaotic, vividly portraying the inner emotional turmoil that resulted from his suppression.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey the psalmist's profound internal experience. **Paradox** is central, as the psalmist's intentional silence, meant to prevent sin, ironically leads to an intensification of his inner suffering. The phrase "my sorrow was stirred" utilizes a powerful **metaphor** or **simile**, evoking the image of a body of water becoming agitated and murky. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the internal emotional chaos and turbulence that resulted from suppressed grief, rather than its alleviation. There is also a subtle **juxtaposition** between "I was dumb with silence" (suggesting a state of being rendered speechless, perhaps by the weight of his affliction) and "I held my peace" (implying a deliberate act of restraint), highlighting the complex nature of his silence—partly imposed by his distress, partly chosen as a discipline. The addition of "even from good" serves as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and all-encompassing nature of his self-imposed muteness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 39:2 offers a profound theological insight into the human experience of suffering and the complexities of our emotional and spiritual responses. While wisdom literature often commends the virtue of silence and guarding one's tongue, this verse reveals the potential danger of an unhealthy, absolute suppression of emotion, particularly in the face of deep sorrow. It underscores that God, far from being distant or offended by our pain, invites us to bring our whole selves—including our grief, confusion, and even anger—before Him. The psalmist's experience serves as a cautionary tale against spiritual stoicism that denies the reality of human anguish, reminding us that true spiritual maturity often involves honest lament rather than forced composure. It points to the biblical truth that authentic faith allows for the full spectrum of human emotion to be expressed in God's presence, rather than allowing pain to fester internally.

* [Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "A Time to Speak, A Time to Be Silent")
* [Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Pour Out Your Heart to God")
* [Lamentations 3:20](/lamentations/3-20 "Remember My Affliction and My Wanderings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 39:2 provides a poignant mirror for our own struggles with pain, expression, and self-control. In a world that often encourages either unbridled expression or complete suppression, the psalmist's experience highlights the delicate balance required for emotional and spiritual health. While there is indeed wisdom in guarding our words to avoid sin or rashness, this verse powerfully warns against the detrimental effects of suppressing genuine grief, frustration, or despair. When we internalize and refuse to acknowledge or express our pain, even "from good" (such as honest prayer, seeking counsel, or expressing vulnerability to trusted friends), that unaddressed sorrow can fester, becoming agitated and more intense, much like the psalmist's "stirred" grief. This verse encourages us to cultivate healthy avenues for processing and expressing our pain, whether through fervent prayer and lament before God, seeking wise counsel from others, or engaging in creative outlets. It reminds us that true spiritual strength is not found in denying our suffering but in bringing it honestly before God, trusting in His capacity to hear and heal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced the paradoxical effect of silence, where holding back words intensified your inner turmoil?**
* **How do you discern between wise restraint of speech and unhealthy suppression of genuine emotion or pain?**
* **What healthy avenues do you utilize to express your sorrow, frustration, or confusion, especially in your relationship with God or with trusted confidantes?**

### FAQ
**Why did the psalmist choose to be silent "even from good"?**

Answer: The phrase "even from good" is crucial. The psalmist's initial resolve in [Psalms 39:1](/psalms/39-1 "Psalm 39:1 - David's Resolve to Guard His Tongue") was to guard his tongue "that I sin not with my tongue." In his deep distress, he may have feared that any utterance, even a lament or complaint, might be perceived as sinful or disrespectful towards God. Therefore, he chose an extreme form of silence, refraining from speaking *any* words, including those that might have been beneficial, comforting, or even necessary expressions of his pain to God or others. This was likely a misguided attempt to avoid sin at all costs, which ironically led to greater internal suffering.

**Is silence always negative according to the Bible?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The Bible often commends wise and timely silence. [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Proverbs 17:28 - Even a Fool, When He Holds His Peace, Is Counted Wise") states that "Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise." [Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "Ecclesiastes 3:7 - A Time to Speak, A Time to Be Silent") famously declares there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." However, Psalms 39:2 illustrates that *unhealthy* or *prolonged* silence, particularly when it involves suppressing genuine grief or pain, can be detrimental. The key is discernment: knowing when silence is a virtue of restraint and when it becomes a burden of suppression.

**How does this verse relate to mental health?**

Answer: Psalms 39:2 offers a profound, ancient insight into the psychological toll of emotional suppression. The concept of "sorrow was stirred" vividly describes the internal agitation and exacerbation of pain that occurs when grief or distress is not processed or expressed in a healthy manner. Modern psychology affirms that suppressing emotions can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The psalmist's experience implicitly encourages the importance of acknowledging, processing, and appropriately expressing one's feelings, rather than allowing them to fester internally. It highlights the human need for outlets for pain, whether through spiritual lament, therapeutic conversation, or creative expression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 39:2, with its raw depiction of suppressed sorrow leading to intensified anguish, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist's silence, even "from good," paradoxically stirred his sorrow, Christ perfectly embodied both profound silence and profound expression in His suffering. Before His accusers, Jesus remained silent, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"), who "opened not his mouth." Yet, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He poured out His soul in anguish to His Father, crying out with "loud cries and tears" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), and on the cross, He cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Unlike the psalmist, whose sorrow was stirred by his *own* silence, Jesus took upon Himself the "stirred" sorrow of humanity, bearing the full weight of our sin and its consequent grief. Because He experienced the depths of human suffering and perfectly navigated both silence and lament, we are now invited to bring our own "stirred" sorrows to Him, knowing that we have a [Great High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest"), and who offers not a burden of silence, but the freedom to lament and find healing in His presence, for He is the [Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows").

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.

Cross-References

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Psalms 38:13

But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.

Psalms 38:14

Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs.

Job 32:19

Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

Job 32:20

I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

Matthew 7:6

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.