Bible Commentaries
Psalms 141

Verses 1-2

1. A request to be heard 141:1-2

Because David compared this prayer to the incense of the evening offering, he probably offered it at that time of the day (i.e., about 3:00 p.m.). He requested a speedy reply.

Verses 1-10

Psalms 141

In this evening prayer, David asked God to protect him and enable him to continue living for God’s glory. It is an individual lament.

"Life is built on character and character is built on decisions. This psalm reveals David making a number of wise decisions as he faced the attacks of the enemy." [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 369.]

Verses 3-4

David asked God to help him control his speech (Psalms 141:3). He also wanted the Lord to help him control his thoughts and actions (Psalms 141:4). "Eating the delicacies" of the wicked pictures enjoying the sensual pleasures of ungodly people.

"All mortals tend to turn into the thing they are pretending to be." [Note: C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, p. 54.]

Verses 3-7

2. A request to walk in God’s ways 141:3-7

Verses 5-7

The psalmist expressed openness to the constructive criticisms of the righteous, but he prayed for God to judge the wicked. He believed their leaders would fail, as when an attacking army throws the judges of their enemy from cliffs to destroy them. The wicked would learn that David’s words had been true when God ultimately destroyed them. They would testify that God had overturned them into the grave, as one who plows a field turns the earth over.

Verses 8-10

3. A request to give protection 141:8-10

David next petitioned the Lord for His defense. His enemies had set traps for him. He prayed that those who set the traps would themselves fall into them, and that God would deliver him.

We who are God’s people should pray regularly for our own sanctification, and for protection from the evil individuals who oppose us, as we seek to walk with God.