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Psalms 141

Psalms 141 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 141 is a short, urgent prayer for help, purity, and protection. David asks God to hear him quickly, to guard his words and heart, and to keep him from the pull of evil. The psalm also shows a willingness to receive correction from the righteous and to trust God for safety.

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What happens in Psalms 141?

David begins by asking the Lord to hear his prayer without delay and compares it to incense and evening sacrifice. He then asks God to place a guard over his mouth and to keep his heart from joining sinful people or enjoying what they offer. The psalm welcomes faithful rebuke as a gift, while still opposing the ways of the wicked. David closes by fixing his eyes on the Lord, asking for refuge, protection from hidden traps, and safety as the wicked fall into their own schemes.

Psalm 141 is a Davidic psalm placed near the later part of Book Five of Psalms. It fits with other prayers that seek rescue, wisdom, and moral protection in the face of danger. The chapter moves from urgent personal need to confident trust in God, a pattern common in David's prayers.

Themes to notice

  • Prayer and worshipDavid pictures his prayer as an offering brought before God with reverence and urgency.
  • Speech and characterHe asks God to guard his words and keep his heart from joining what is evil.
  • Protection and refugeThe psalm looks to God for safety from traps, false paths, and the harm of the wicked.

Questions for Psalms 141

  • What does David's prayer teach about bringing urgent needs before God?
  • Why does David ask God to guard both his mouth and his heart?
  • How does this psalm show the difference between trusting God and joining evil?

Read the full text of Psalms 141 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 141

Come Quickly to Me

A Psalm of David.

1I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me.

Hear my voice when I call to You.

2May my prayer be set before You like incense,

my uplifted hands like the evening offering.

3Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;

keep watch at the door of my lips.

4Do 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.

5Let 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.

6When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs,

the people will listen to my words,

for they are pleasant.

7As when one plows and breaks up the soil,

so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.

8But my eyes are fixed on You,

O GOD the Lord.

In You I seek refuge;

do not leave my soul defenseless.

9Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,

and from the lures of evildoers.

10Let the wicked fall into their own nets,

while I pass by in safety.

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