DiscipleDeck
Get started
Bible Commentary

Psalms 39:1

Psalms 39:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue. There are no grounds for connecting this silence with the abstinence from self-vindication mentioned in the preceding psalm (, 14).

Indeed, it seems to have had a wholly different origin (see the introductory paragraph). I will keep my mouth with a bridle; i.e. "curb my impatience, restrain and keep in my speech." While the wicked is before me.

The Prayer-book Version is better, if less literal, "While the ungodly is in my sight."

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotionalSave my progress

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 39:1

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 39 — OverviewPsalms 39 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid seems to have been in a great strait when he penned this psalm, and, upon some account or other, very uneasy; for it is with some difficulty that he conquers his passion, and composes his spirit himself…Psalms 39 — OverviewPsalms 39 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 39:1, David’s care of this thoughts; Psalms 39:4, The consideration of the brevity and vanity of life; Psalms 39:7, the reverence of God’s judgments, Psalms 39:10, and prayer, are his bridles of impatience.…Psalms 39 — OverviewPsalms 39 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTo the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, a Psalm of David. Some take Jeduthun to be the name of a musical instrument, as Jarchi, on which, and others the first word of a song, to the tune of which, this psalm was…Psalms 39:1-6Psalms 39:1-6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid here recollects, and leaves upon record, the workings of his heart under his afflictions; and it is good for us to do so, that what was thought amiss may be amended, and what was well thought of may be…Psalms 39:1-13Psalms 39:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THE psalmist, vexed and disgusted with life, feeling a desire to murmur and complain, but aware that his words are watched, and his wicked enemies ready to make use of them against him, has resolved on…Psalms 39:1-13Psalms 39:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryUnburdening the heart to God in a time of sore affliction, when nothing can be said to man. Jeduthun, whose name stands at the head of Psalms 39:1-13, Psalms 62:1-12, and Psalms 77:1-20, was one of a musical family…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.