Psalms 141:3 - Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.
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What does "Psalms 141:3" mean?
Psalm 141:3 is a plea for divine help in controlling one's speech. Let's break down the meaning:
"Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth": This is a request for God to be a vigilant guard over what the psalmist speaks. "Watch" implies a constant, alert presence to prevent harmful or inappropriate words from escaping. It's acknowledging the psalmist's own weakness in controlling their tongue and asking for divine assistance.
"Keep the door of my lips": This is a parallel and reinforcing request. "Door" suggests a barrier or gate that can be opened or closed. The psalmist is asking God to keep this door closed, preventing unwanted words from being uttered. "Lips" are the physical manifestation of speech, and the phrase emphasizes the desire for careful control over the words spoken.
In essence, the verse means:
The psalmist is asking God to help them be careful about what they say, to guard their words so they don't speak foolishly, sinfully, or in a way that hurts others or themselves. It's a prayer for self-control and wisdom in speech.
Deeper Meanings and Implications:
Acknowledgement of Human Weakness: The verse reflects an understanding of the difficulty in controlling one's tongue. The Bible speaks extensively about the power and danger of the tongue (James 3).
Desire for Righteousness: It implies a desire to speak in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. It's a prayer for sanctified speech.
Trust in God's Help: The psalmist isn't relying on their own willpower alone, but acknowledging their dependence on God for strength and guidance.
Potential Situations: This prayer might be especially relevant during times of stress, anger, temptation, or when interacting with difficult people, when words can easily be spoken in haste or in anger.
Universal Application: While likely written in a specific context, the prayer has universal relevance. All people can benefit from seeking God's help in controlling their speech.
In conclusion, Psalm 141:3 is a powerful and humble prayer for God's assistance in controlling one's words, reflecting a desire to speak in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. It is a plea for divine intervention in a crucial area of life, recognizing the power and potential harm of uncontrolled speech.
Psalms 141:3 - Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.
What does "Psalms 141:3" mean?
Psalm 141:3 is a plea for divine help in controlling one's speech. Let's break down the meaning:
"Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth": This is a request for God to be a vigilant guard over what the psalmist speaks. "Watch" implies a constant, alert presence to prevent harmful or inappropriate words from escaping. It's acknowledging the psalmist's own weakness in controlling their tongue and asking for divine assistance.
"Keep the door of my lips": This is a parallel and reinforcing request. "Door" suggests a barrier or gate that can be opened or closed. The psalmist is asking God to keep this door closed, preventing unwanted words from being uttered. "Lips" are the physical manifestation of speech, and the phrase emphasizes the desire for careful control over the words spoken.
In essence, the verse means:
The psalmist is asking God to help them be careful about what they say, to guard their words so they don't speak foolishly, sinfully, or in a way that hurts others or themselves. It's a prayer for self-control and wisdom in speech.
Deeper Meanings and Implications:
Acknowledgement of Human Weakness: The verse reflects an understanding of the difficulty in controlling one's tongue. The Bible speaks extensively about the power and danger of the tongue (James 3).
Desire for Righteousness: It implies a desire to speak in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. It's a prayer for sanctified speech.
Trust in God's Help: The psalmist isn't relying on their own willpower alone, but acknowledging their dependence on God for strength and guidance.
Potential Situations: This prayer might be especially relevant during times of stress, anger, temptation, or when interacting with difficult people, when words can easily be spoken in haste or in anger.
Universal Application: While likely written in a specific context, the prayer has universal relevance. All people can benefit from seeking God's help in controlling their speech.
In conclusion, Psalm 141:3 is a powerful and humble prayer for God's assistance in controlling one's words, reflecting a desire to speak in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. It is a plea for divine intervention in a crucial area of life, recognizing the power and potential harm of uncontrolled speech.