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Psalms, 141

1. A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

1. Lord, I call on you, hasten to help me! Listen to my plea when I call to you.

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

2. Let my prayer rise to you like incense, as I lift up my hands as in an evening sacrifice.

3. Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

3. O Lord, set a guard at my mouth, keep watch at the gate of my lips.

4. Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

4. Let not my heart be drawn to evil; let me not be enticed into evil acts in company with sinners, and let me not partake of their delights.

5. Let the righteous smite me; [it shall be] a kindness: and let him reprove me; [it shall be] an excellent oil, [which] shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also [shall be] in their calamities.

5. Rather the reproach and the just scourge, than the oil of the wicked anointing my head.

6. When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.

6. When their rulers are flung upon the rock, only then will these wicked learn that I was tolerant with them,

7. Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth [wood] upon the earth.

7. when the earth opens to swallow them and their bones are scattered at the edge of the netherworld.

8. But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

8. But my eyes are turned to you, O God, my Lord; strip me not of life, for you are my refuge.

9. Keep me from the snares [which] they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.

9. Keep me from the trap they have set for me, keep me from the net laid by evildoers.

10. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

10. Let the wicked fall into their own snares, while I alone escape safe and free.



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Footnotes:

141:1-2 - The psalmist cries out to God urgently, comparing his prayer to incense that rises to the Lord. This reflects the importance of sincere and constant prayer in the life of the believer, as a sacrifice pleasing to God (see also Revelation 8:3-4 and Luke 1:10).

141:3-4 - The psalmist's request for God to guard his mouth highlights the need for self-control and avoiding sin through speech. Uprightness in speech is a sign of wisdom and the fear of the Lord (see also James 3:2-6 and Proverbs 13:3).

141:5 - The psalmist accepts the correction of the righteous as an act of kindness. This shows the importance of godly discipline and keeping the heart open to reproof, which leads to spiritual growth (see also Proverbs 27:6 and Hebrews 12:11).

141:8 - The psalmist places his complete trust in God, seeking refuge from the wicked. This highlights his confidence in divine protection and the assurance that God is the rock of salvation (see also Psalm 16:1 and Psalm 18:2).

141:9-10 - The psalmist prays to be kept from the snares of the wicked, trusting that those who pursue him will fall into their own nets. This symbolizes God's justice, which repays evildoers (see also Psalm 7:15-16 and Proverbs 26:27).

Verses related to Psalms, 141:

Psalm 141 features a fervent prayer from David. How does the psalmist seek divine protection? This poetic text expresses David's desire for purity of speech and action, asking God to keep him from temptations and traps of the wicked. The psalm addresses topics such as the importance of prayer, the fight against sin and trust in divine justice. In addition to its personal relevance, Psalm 141 offers a model for supplication in times of trial. Meditate with us on five biblical passages that echo the spiritual longings of this penetrating psalm.

Ephesians 4:29: "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is helpful in edifying others as needed, so that it may give grace to those who hear it." - This verse echoes the plea in Psalm 141:3 for God to guard the psalmist's mouth.

Proverbs 23:1-3: "When you sit down to eat with a ruler, watch carefully who is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not covet his delicacies, for this food is deceptive." - This passage relates to Psalm 141:4, which talks about not being attracted to evil things.

Galatians 6:1: "Brethren, if anyone is overtaken in any sin, you who are spiritual must restore him with gentleness. Take care, however, that you too are not tempted." - This verse reflects the spirit of Psalm 141:5, which talks about the correction of the righteous.

1 Peter 3:12: "For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is turned against those who do evil." - This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 141:8, where the psalmist seeks refuge in God.

Proverbs 29:5: "Whoever flatters his neighbor is making a net for his feet." - This proverb relates to Psalm 141:9-10, which talks about escaping the traps of evildoers.

FAQ:

What does David ask God in Psalm 141?

David asks God to accept his prayers as incense and to guard his words and actions, protecting him from falling into temptation. (Psalm 141:1-4)

How does David ask for protection from the wicked?

David asks God to protect him from the snares of the wicked, not allowing their hearts to be drawn to evil. (Psalm 141:9-10)

What does the "incense" mean in David's prayers?

The "incense" symbolizes prayers that are pleasing to God, signifying a sincere and pure heart before God. (Psalm 141:2)

Why does David speak of the "sore" of the wicked?

David compares the wicked to incurable wounds, expressing his desire that their actions fail. (Psalm 141:5)

What can we learn about trusting God from Psalm 141?

Psalm 141 teaches the importance of trusting in God for protection and guidance, especially in times of adversity. (Psalm 141:8)


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