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Liber Psalmorum, 141

0.

0. A Psalm of David.

1. PSALMUS. David. Domine, clamavi ad te, ad me festina; intende voci meae, cum clamo ad te.

1. I call upon thee, O LORD; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice, when I call to thee!

2. Dirigatur oratio mea sicut incensum in conspectu tuo, elevatio manuum mearum ut sacrificium vespertinum. -

2. Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!

3. Pone, Domine, custodiam ori meo et vigiliam ad ostium labiorum meorum.

3. Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD, keep watch over the door of my lips!

4. Non declines cor meum in verbum malitiae ad machinandas machinationes in impietate cum hominibus operantibus iniquitatem; et non comedam ex deliciis eorum.

4. Incline not my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties!

5. Percutiat me iustus in misericordia et increpet me; oleum autem peccatoris non impinguet caput meum, quoniam adhuc et oratio mea in malitiis eorum.

5. Let a good man strike or rebuke me in kindness, but let the oil of the wicked never anoint my head; for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.

6. Deiecti in manus duras iudicum eorum, audient verba mea, quoniam suavia erant.

6. When they are given over to those who shall condemn them, then they shall learn that the word of the LORD is true.

7. Sicut frusta dolantis et dirumpentis in terra, dissipata sunt ossa eorum ad fauces inferni.

7. As a rock which one cleaves and shatters on the land, so shall their bones be strewn at the mouth of Sheol.

8. Quia ad te, Domine, Domine, oculi mei; ad te confugi, non effundas animam meam.

8. But my eyes are toward thee, O LORD God; in thee I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

9. Custodi me a laqueo, quem statuerunt mihi, et a scandalis operantium iniquitatem.

9. Keep me from the trap which they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers!

10. Cadent in retiacula sua peccatores simul, ego autem ultra pertranseam.

10. Let the wicked together fall into their own nets, while I escape.



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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 Liber Psalmorum, 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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