Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
O LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְפִ֑י
before my mouth
H6310
לְפִ֑י
before my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
נִ֝צְּרָ֗ה
keep
H5341
נִ֝צְּרָ֗ה
keep
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
5 of 8
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
James 1:26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.Psalms 39:1I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.Micah 7:5Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.James 3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.Psalms 34:13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.Psalms 71:8Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Historical Context
David's life included speech failures: rash vow regarding Nabal (1 Samuel 25), numbering Israel pridefully (2 Samuel 24), inadequate response to Amnon's sin (2 Samuel 13). Other biblical figures struggled with speech: Moses struck rock in anger rather than speaking to it (Numbers 20:10-12), Peter denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75), Paul had sharp contention with Barnabas (Acts 15:39). Proverbs extensively addresses speech: guarding lips preserves life (Proverbs 13:3), many words increase sin (Proverbs 10:19), pleasant words are like honeycomb (Proverbs 16:24). Jesus warned that every idle word will face judgment (Matthew 12:36-37).
Questions for Reflection
- What specific areas of speech (gossip, criticism, lying, vulgarity, etc.) require God's guarding in your life?
- How can believers practically "set a guard" before their mouths in daily interactions?
- What is the relationship between heart condition and speech patterns (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45)?
Analysis & Commentary
"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." The petition shitah YHWH shomerah l'phi (set, O LORD, a guard for my mouth) asks for divine help controlling speech. Shomerah (guard/watchman) indicates sentinel protecting against invasion. Peh (mouth) encompasses all speech. Nitzrah al dal sefatai (keep watch over the door of my lips). Natsar (keep/guard/preserve); delet (door); sapah (lip). The double image—guard before mouth, door over lips—emphasizes desperate need for restraint. James 3:2-12 elaborates on the tongue's power and difficulty in taming it. David knew his own vulnerability to sinful speech and called on God to control what he himself couldn't fully govern.