Psalm 141:5

Translations

Modern

Let 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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Let a righteous one strike me, and let him rebuke me in loving devotion; it is oil for my head—let not my head refuse it! For still my prayer is against their evil deeds.

Latin

Corripiet me justus in misericordia, et increpabit me: oleum autem peccatoris non impinguet caput meum. Quoniam adhuc et oratio mea in beneplacitis eorum:

Original

Hebrew

English

Let 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.

Notes

Psalms 141:3–5

Wisdom sometimes requires protection from oneself. People might say or think things that lead to a harmful path (Proverbs 13:3; 21:23).
Wisdom accepts correction from godly people (see Proverbs 3:11; 9:8; 15:31; 19:25).

Psalms 141:1–10

The psalmist prays for rescue and for wisdom. He also looks ahead to the end of evil. The idea that people receive what they deserve (Psalm 141:10) holds the psalm together.

Psalms 138:1–145:21

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Ecclesiastes 7:5
It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
Revelation 3:19
Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Proverbs 27:5–6
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.
Proverbs 25:12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
Proverbs 9:8–9
Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
Galatians 2:11–14
When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Proverbs 15:5
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
1 Samuel 25:31–34
…then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your servant.”
2 Chronicles 25:16
While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.”
Psalm 125:4
Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to the upright in heart.

Psalm 141:5

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