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    Psalms 141 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 141 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 141

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 141:3

    "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my li…"

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    Commentary

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    Psalms 141 Summary

    Psalm 141 is David's evening prayer, asking God to set a guard over his mouth and keep his heart from being drawn to evil. He would rather be rebuked by a righteous person than flattered by the wicked.

    The psalm shows remarkable self-awareness, recognizing that the temptation to join the wicked is real and asking God for help to resist it.

    Key Themes

    Prayer as incenseGuarding the mouthResisting temptationWelcoming righteous correction

    Key Verses in Psalms 141

    "May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice."

    — Psalms 141:2

    Connects personal prayer with temple worship, making every prayer sacred.

    "Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips."

    — Psalms 141:3

    A prayer for God's help in controlling speech—widely quoted and deeply practical.

    Life Application

    Ask God daily to guard your mouth and your heart. The words you speak and the desires you entertain shape your destiny.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is prayer compared to incense?

    Incense rose before God in the temple as a pleasing offering. Our prayers similarly ascend to God as a fragrant offering (Revelation 5:8).

    Psalm 141 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Watchful, humble

    Best read for: Controlling speech, accepting correction

    Overview of Psalm 141: Set a Guard Over My Mouth

    Psalm 141 asks God to set a watch over the psalmist's mouth and keep the door of his lips. He prays not to be drawn into wickedness or eat the wicked's delicacies. He accepts the righteous man's rebuke as kindness. The psalm asks God to keep him from the snares set by evildoers, trusting that the wicked will fall into their own nets while he escapes.

    Key Themes

    Speech
    Self-Control
    Righteous Rebuke
    Protection

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
    — Psalm 141:3 (KJV)
    “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.”
    — Psalm 141:5 (KJV)

    Reflection

    The prayer for a guarded mouth is one we all need. Words can heal or destroy, and the difference often comes down to whether we've asked God to stand guard. Have you invited God to filter your speech today?

    Historical Context

    An evening prayer asking God to guard David's mouth and heart. 'Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips' is one of the most practical prayers in Scripture. The request that a righteous person's rebuke be like 'oil on my head' shows David's openness to correction.

    How to Apply Psalm 141 Today

    Pray verse 3 every morning before speaking: 'Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.' Then welcome correction from godly friends—receiving rebuke as 'oil' (blessing) rather than insult. The person willing to tell you hard truths is more valuable than the one who only tells you what you want to hear.

    A Prayer from Psalm 141

    Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing. Let the righteous strike me—it shall be a kindness. Amen.

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