A basic overview of Psalm 141 includes: David asking God to accept his prayers (vs. 1-2), David asking the Lord to guard his speech and to deliver him from evil associations (vs. 3-6), and, finally, David pleading for rescue from those who are his enemies.

As I read this morning, the Lord spoke to me concerning verses 3-5, "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.  Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.  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."

First, in verse 3, we are shown the importance of our speech being guarded and reflective of the fact that we know Christ as our Savior.  Oh, how easy it is for us to offend with our lips. May we pray and ask God to guard our tongues so that we minister grace and truth to those who hear us.  If we open our mouths to God in prayer, it should help to guard us against evil speaking.

Next in verse 4, David requested God's help in keeping his heart from dwelling on sin or in joining with those who are engaged in it.  David wanted nothing to do with sinful individuals, even socially.  We must be careful not to entertain wrong associations. Make sure to keep company with those who will build and encourage you spiritually.

Finally, in verse 5, in contrast to our separation from sinful individuals in verse four, David preferred to keep company with those who are righteous and to benefit from their reproof.  "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness..."  "...and let him reprove me; it shall be excellent oil, which shall not break my head..."  Charles Spurgeon wrote, "He (David) prefers the bitters of gracious company to the dainties of the ungodly.  He would rather be smitten by the righteous than feasted by the wicked."   Do you get offended when godly people attempt to help and/or correct you?  If so, you have an issue with pride.  Godly reproof is something every believer should welcome as a source of instruction sent from God. 2 Timothy 3:16 states, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  This verse confirms that reproof is designed by God to be an instrument of correction in my life.   I thank God for those who love me enough to help bring correction into my life.  

I hope these words can be a focal point of meditation for you as you navigate through your day.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Does your manner of speech find God’s approval, or does it sound just like the world?

2. What does it mean to “guard your words”?

3. How can you avoid getting yourself into compromising situations with unscrupulous people?

4. Who is the godliest person you know? What benefits would come to you by spending as much time as possible with this person?