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Psalms 141

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‹ Chapter 140 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 142 ›

1 I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You. 2 May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering. 3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. 4 Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies. 5 Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked. 6 When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant. 7 As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol. 8 But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless. 9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

‹ Chapter 140 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 142 ›

Study Notes — Psalms 141

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In Psalms 141, David begins by asking God to hear his prayer and to come quickly to his aid. He then asks God to set a guard over his mouth and to keep him from speaking evil or doing harm to others. David also asks God to protect him from the wicked and to judge them for their evil deeds. He expresses his trust in God's goodness and righteousness, and he asks God to keep him from being caught in the snares of the wicked. Throughout the chapter, David emphasizes the importance of seeking God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation, as seen in Psalms 141:3-4 and Psalms 141:8-10.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 141 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is characterized by its emphasis on God's sovereignty and providence, as well as the importance of prayer and worship. Psalms 141 is a prayer of David, and it is likely that it was written during a time of trouble or persecution. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a example of how to seek God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation, as seen in other Psalms such as Psalms 23 and Psalms 51.

Heart Application

As we read Psalms 141, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation. We can apply this to our own lives by praying for God's protection and trusting in His goodness and righteousness. We can also be mindful of the consequences of sin and ask God to keep us from sinning, as seen in Psalms 141:3-4.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 141 is a prayer of David, where he asks God to protect him from evil and to keep him from sinning. He trusts in God's goodness and righteousness and asks God to judge the wicked for their evil deeds. In Psalms 141:8, David says, "My eyes are fixed on You, God, my Lord; in You I take refuge." This chapter teaches us to seek God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation, and to trust in His goodness and righteousness.

Voices from the Church

“The prayer of the righteous is like a sweet perfume, which rises to heaven and is accepted by God. - Psalms 141:2”

— Charles Spurgeon

“We must not only pray for ourselves, but also for our enemies, that they may be turned from their wicked ways and come to know God. - Psalms 141:5-6”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Prayer (Psalms 141:1-2) — David asks God to hear his prayer and to come quickly to his aid. He also asks God to set a guard over his mouth and to keep him from speaking evil or doing harm to others.
  2. The Importance of Prayer (Psalms 141:2) — David says, "Let my prayer be set before You like incense." This emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's protection and guidance.
  3. The Danger of Sin (Psalms 141:3-4) — David asks God to keep him from sinning, and he expresses his desire for God to judge the wicked for their evil deeds.
  4. Trust in God's Goodness (Psalms 141:8) — David expresses his trust in God's goodness and righteousness, and he asks God to keep him from being caught in the snares of the wicked.
  5. Conclusion (Psalms 141:10) — David asks God to protect him from the wicked and to judge them for their evil deeds. He also expresses his trust in God's goodness and righteousness.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Prayer
Psalms 141 teaches us the importance of prayer in seeking God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation. In Psalms 141:2, David says, "Let my prayer be set before You like incense."
The Danger of Sin
The chapter also warns us of the dangers of sin and the importance of asking God to keep us from sinning. In Psalms 141:3-4, David asks God to keep him from sinning and to judge the wicked for their evil deeds.
Trust in God's Goodness
Psalms 141 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and righteousness, even in the face of evil and temptation. In Psalms 141:8, David says, "My eyes are fixed on You, God, my Lord; in You I take refuge."
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter also teaches us about the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and protection. In Psalms 141:4, David says, "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely."

Lessons from Psalms 141

  1. The Importance of Prayer — We can learn from David's example in Psalms 141 to prioritize prayer in our lives and to seek God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation.
  2. The Danger of Sin — We can also learn from the chapter about the dangers of sin and the importance of asking God to keep us from sinning.
  3. Trust in God's Goodness — Psalms 141 teaches us to trust in God's goodness and righteousness, even in the face of evil and wickedness.
  4. The Consequences of Sin — The chapter also warns us about the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and protection.
  5. Praying for Our Enemies — We can learn from David's example in Psalms 141:5-6 to pray for our enemies and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness for them.

Themes from Psalms 141

  1. Protection from Evil — Psalms 141 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's protection from evil and wickedness. In Psalms 141:8, David says, "My eyes are fixed on You, God, my Lord; in You I take refuge."
  2. The Importance of Prayer — The chapter teaches us the importance of prayer in seeking God's protection and guidance. In Psalms 141:2, David says, "Let my prayer be set before You like incense."
  3. Trust in God's Goodness — Psalms 141 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and righteousness, even in the face of evil and wickedness.
  4. The Danger of Sin — The chapter warns us about the dangers of sin and the importance of asking God to keep us from sinning. In Psalms 141:3-4, David asks God to keep him from sinning and to judge the wicked for their evil deeds.
  5. The Consequences of Sin — Psalms 141 teaches us about the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and protection. In Psalms 141:4, David says, "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely."

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that we can seek God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation?
  2. How can we trust in God's goodness and righteousness, even when we are surrounded by evil and wickedness?
  3. What are some consequences of sin, and how can we ask God to keep us from sinning?
  4. How can we pray for our enemies, as David did in Psalms 141:5-6?
  5. What are some ways that we can apply the principles of Psalms 141 to our own lives and circumstances?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Prayer (Psalms 141:1-2)

141:1 David asks God to hear his prayer and to come quickly to his aid. He also asks God to set a guard over his mouth and to keep him from speaking evil or doing harm to others.
141:2 David says, "Let my prayer be set before You like incense." This emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's protection and guidance.

2. The Danger of Sin (Psalms 141:3-4)

141:3 David asks God to keep him from sinning, and he expresses his desire for God to judge the wicked for their evil deeds.
141:4 David says, "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely." This emphasizes the importance of seeking God's protection from evil and wickedness.

3. Trust in God's Goodness (Psalms 141:5-7)

141:5 David asks God to rebuke him if he has done wrong, and he expresses his desire for God to guide him on the right path.
141:6 David says, "When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will hear and fear; they will be like grass that withers." This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and righteousness.

4. Conclusion (Psalms 141:8-10)

141:8 David expresses his trust in God's goodness and righteousness, and he asks God to keep him from being caught in the snares of the wicked.
141:9 David says, "Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity." This emphasizes the importance of seeking God's protection from evil and wickedness.
141:10 David asks God to protect him from the wicked and to judge them for their evil deeds. He also expresses his trust in God's goodness and righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Psalms 141?

The main theme of Psalms 141 is the importance of seeking God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation. In Psalms 141:8, David says, "My eyes are fixed on You, God, my Lord; in You I take refuge."

How can we apply the principles of Psalms 141 to our own lives?

We can apply the principles of Psalms 141 by prioritizing prayer in our lives, seeking God's protection and guidance, and trusting in His goodness and righteousness. In Psalms 141:2, David says, "Let my prayer be set before You like incense."

What are some consequences of sin, according to Psalms 141?

According to Psalms 141, some consequences of sin include being caught in the snares of the wicked and falling into evil. In Psalms 141:4, David says, "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely."

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Psalms 141:1 → Psalms 55:1-3 Both passages express a desire for God to hear and answer prayer. In Psalms 55:1-3, David says, "Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication."
2 Psalms 141:2 → Revelation 5:8 Both passages use the metaphor of incense to describe prayer. In Revelation 5:8, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
3 Psalms 141:3 → Psalms 39:1 Both passages express a desire for God to set a guard over one's mouth. In Psalms 39:1, David says, "I 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."
4 Psalms 141:4 → Psalms 7:15-16 Both passages express a desire for the wicked to fall into their own traps. In Psalms 7:15-16, David says, "He hath made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate."
5 Psalms 141:5 → Matthew 5:39 Both passages teach about the importance of turning the other cheek and not seeking revenge. In Matthew 5:39, Jesus says, "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
6 Psalms 141:6 → Matthew 8:12 The image of the wicked being thrown down from cliffs is similar to the image of the wicked being thrown into outer darkness in Matthew 8:12.
7 Psalms 141:8 → Hebrews 12:2 Both passages express a desire to fix one's eyes on God. In Hebrews 12:2, the author says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
8 Psalms 141:9 → Psalms 31:4 Both passages express a desire for God to keep one from the snares of the wicked. In Psalms 31:4, David says, "Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
9 Psalms 141:10 → Psalms 35:8 Both passages express a desire for the wicked to fall into their own traps. In Psalms 35:8, David says, "Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall."
10 Psalms 141:10 → Romans 11:9 The image of the wicked falling into their own traps is similar to the image of the wicked being caught in their own sin in Romans 11:9-10.

Sermons on Psalms 141

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Beware of a Satanic Set-Up by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency of the times, stating that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. He urges the listeners to cast off the work
David Wilkerson Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv
B.H. Clendennen Prayer Is a Warfare by B.H. Clendennen B.H. Clendennen emphasizes that prayer is a form of spiritual warfare, drawing parallels between the distinctiveness of prayer and the evening sacrifice in the Old Testament. He re
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 30:34-38 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the altar of incense in the tabernacle. The altar of incense represents prayer and worship, where believers offer their pr
Willie Mullan (Depressed Disciples) Mormonisn and Jehovah Witnesses by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting and not being upset by the things we cannot understand. He shares a story about a man who tried to challenge the
B.H. Clendennen A Strong Delusion by B.H. Clendennen This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to the power of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the decline of the church when the Holy Spirit is not central, the need for individ
Glenn Meldrum Desperate for Change (Pure Life Ministries) by Glenn Meldrum In this sermon, Glenn emphasizes the need for a love that is more powerful than the passions of the flesh. He highlights that until we grasp this love, we will continue to struggle
Zac Poonen God Is a Good Father - 3. a Father Who Rebukes and Disciplines Us by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving God's discipline and rebuke as a means to partake in His holiness. It contrasts self-manufactured holiness, which can lead to pri
Keith Daniel A Time to Be Silent by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of words and the destructive impact they can have on others. He shares a personal story of witnessing a man's life being destroyed
Basilea Schlink My Day Before God by Basilea Schlink In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the tendency to complain and grumble about people and circumstances. They emphasize the importance of refraining from complainin

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 141

In this Psalm, David prays for protection from the wicked and for God to keep him from sinning. He expresses his trust in God's goodness and righteousness, and he asks God to judge the wicked for their evil deeds. Matthew Henry notes that this Psalm is a pattern for our own prayers, teaching us to seek God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation. He also notes that the Psalm emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's goodness and righteousness, even when we are surrounded by wickedness and evil. As Henry says, 'The psalmist's trust is not in himself, but in God; he trusts not in his own strength, but in the strength of his God.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

David's Trust in God

Throughout the chapter, David expresses his trust in God's goodness and righteousness, and he asks God to protect him from the wicked. This is seen in Psalms 141:8, where David says, "My eyes are fixed on You, God, my Lord; in You I take refuge."

The Importance of Prayer

David's prayer is a central theme of the chapter, and he emphasizes the importance of seeking God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation. In Psalms 141:2, David says, "Let my prayer be set before You like incense."

The Consequences of Sin

David asks God to keep him from sinning, and he expresses his desire for God to judge the wicked for their evil deeds. This is seen in Psalms 141:4, where David says, "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely."

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