Old Testament
Psalms 141
Overview
An evening prayer of David that asks God to receive his cry like the rising incense and lifted hands of the appointed sacrifice. David pleads not for vengeance but for self-control: that God would guard his mouth, keep his heart from evil company, and even welcome the rebuke of the righteous as kindness. Surrounded by the snares of the wicked, he keeps his eyes fixed on the Sovereign LORD for refuge.
1A Psalm by David. Yahweh, I have called on you. Come to me quickly! Listen to my voice when I call to you.
2Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.
3Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.
4Don’t incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity. Don’t let me eat of their delicacies.
5Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; don’t let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.
6Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock. They will hear my words, for they are well spoken.
7“As when one plows and breaks up the earth, our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol.”
8For my eyes are on you, Yahweh, the Lord. I take refuge in you. Don’t leave my soul destitute.
9Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
10Let the wicked fall together into their own nets while I pass by.