1 Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

6 Then their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.

7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.

8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

Up: Psalms
Prev: Psalm 140 | Next: Psalm 142

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 141

Overview:
David's comfort in Prayer.
- There can be No situation So distressing or dangerous, in
which Faith will not get comfort from God By Prayer. We are apt
to show our troubles too much to ourselves, poring upon them,
which does us No service; whereas, By showing them to God, we
might cast the cares upon him who careth for us, and thereby
ease ourselves. Nor should we allow any complaint to ourselves
or others, which we cannot make to God. When our spirits are
overwhelmed By distress, and filled with discouragement; when we
see snares laid for us On every side, while we walk in his way,
we may reflect with comfort that the Lord knoweth our path.
Those who in sincerity take the Lord for their God, find him
all-sufficient, as a Refuge, and as a Portion: every thing else
is a Refuge of lies, and a portion of No value. In this
situation David prayed earnestly to God. We may apply it
spiritually; the souls of believers are often straitened By
doubts and fears. And it is then their duty and interest to Beg
of God to set them at liberty, that they may run the way of his
Commandments. Thus the Lord delivered David from his powerful
persecutors, and dealt bountifully with him. Thus he raised the
crucified Redeemer to the Throne of Glory, and made him Head
over all things for his Church. Thus the convinced sinner cries
for help, and is brought to praise the Lord in the company of
his redeemed people; and thus all believers will at length be
delivered from this evil world, from Sin and Death, and praise
their Saviour for ever.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.