Psalm 141
Psalm 141 is a prayer of David, where he seeks protection from evil and guidance to live righteously. He pleads for God’s help to control his speech, avoid wickedness, and find refuge in God. David expresses his desire for his prayers to rise as incense before God and to remain steadfast in integrity despite the challenges around him.
Psalm 141:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.
2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
David calls on God urgently, asking Him to respond swiftly to his plea. He desires for his prayer to be like the offering of incense—a symbol of devotion and worship that rises toward heaven. The lifting of his hands is compared to an evening sacrifice, showing his heartfelt desire to connect with God in sincere worship and dependence.
Psalm 141:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies.
David asks God to help him control his words, acknowledging the power of speech and how easily it can lead to sin. He also prays for his heart to be shielded from evil desires and the influence of wicked people. The mention of not eating their “delicacies” refers to refusing to partake in the pleasures of sinful ways, keeping his heart pure.
Psalm 141:5 (NKJV)
5 Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.
David welcomes correction from the righteous, seeing it as an act of kindness. He compares a rebuke from the righteous to the application of precious oil, symbolizing blessing and spiritual health. Even as he opens himself to correction, his prayers remain focused against the wicked and their actions, keeping his integrity intact.
Psalm 141:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff, and they hear my words, for they are sweet.
7 Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave, as when one plows and breaks up the earth.
David speaks of the judgment that comes upon the wicked, where even the leaders or judges are brought down. Despite this, his words remain sweet, likely referring to the words of truth and wisdom he speaks. Verse 7 paints a vivid picture of devastation, with bones scattered as if turned up by the plow, indicating a sense of ruin among the wicked.
Psalm 141:8-10 (NKJV)
8 But my eyes are upon You, O God the Lord; in You I take refuge; do not leave my soul destitute.
9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely.
David concludes the psalm by fixing his eyes on God as his only refuge. He prays for protection from the traps and snares set by the wicked, showing his reliance on God for deliverance. David prays for the downfall of the wicked, asking that they fall into their own schemes while he is rescued from harm, trusting fully in God’s protective hand.