Psalm 39:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”

Traditional

To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Literal

To the one directing. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will guard my ways from sinning with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, as long as a wicked one is before me.”

Latin

In finem, ipsi Idithun. Canticum David. Dixi: Custodiam vias meas: ut non delinquam in lingua mea. Posui ori meo custodiam, cum consisteret peccator adversum me.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”

Notes

Psalms 39:1

Jeduthun was a Levitical singer who was appointed by David, along with Asaph (1 Chronicles 9:16; 16:38; 25:1).

Psalms 39:1–3

Suffering in silence makes the psalmist's anguish, pain, and inner distress worse.

Psalms 39:1–13

This prayer for rescue shows the psalmist's discouragement, which comes from not fully understanding his situation.

Theme notes and profiles

David Complaints Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.
Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.
Micah 7:5–6
Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.
James 3:2–8
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Hebrews 2:1
We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Proverbs 4:26–27
Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.
1 Kings 2:4
…and so that the LORD may fulfill His promise to me: ‘If your descendants take heed to walk faithfully before Me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
Psalm 12:4
They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Jeduthun: Levitical musician and singer during David's reign

Glossary

David Ethan Jeduthun Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Bridle: Figurative David: King of Israel: Repents of his Crime and Confesses his Guilt Heedfulness: Necessary in Worldly Company Jeduthun Our Tongue Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Psalms: Didactic Sin: should be Guarded Against Speaking: Wisdom In Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning

Psalm 39:1

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