Psalms 39:1
Psalms 39:1 in Multiple Translations
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.”
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.
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.
I said, I will give attention to my ways, so that my tongue may do no wrong; I will keep my mouth under control, while the sinner is before me.
I told myself, “I will be careful in what I do, and not sin in what I say. I will keep my mouth shut when the wicked are around.”
To the excellent musician Ieduthun. I thought, I will take heede to my wayes, that I sinne not with my tongue: I will keepe my mouth brideled, while the wicked is in my sight.
To the Overseer, to Jeduthun. — A Psalm of David. I have said, 'I observe my ways, Against sinning with my tongue, I keep for my mouth a curb, while the wicked [is] before me.'
I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”
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.
Unto the end, a psalm for David himself.
I said to myself, “I will be careful not to sin by the things that I say [MTY]. I will not say anything to complain while wicked people are near to me and can hear me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 39:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 39:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
ל/ידיתון
לִֽ/ידוּת֗וּן
מִזְמ֥וֹר
לְ/דָוִֽד
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
to conduct
Prep | V-Piel
ל/ידיתון
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
Jeduthun
Prep | N-proper
לִֽ/ידוּת֗וּן
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
Jeduthun
Prep | N-proper
מִזְמ֥וֹר
mizmôwr
H4210
melody
N-ms
לְ/דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 39:1
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
"to conduct"
Prep | V-Piel
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
ל/ידיתון
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
"Jeduthun"
Prep | N-proper
Jeduthun was a Levite and the chief of a temple choir, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and Psalms 39, 62, and 77. His name means 'praising' and his descendants formed a perpetual temple choir.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; father of: Galal (H1559H) § Jeduthun = "praising" a Levite of the family of Merari and the chief of one of the 3 choirs of the temple whose descendants also formed one of the perpetual temple choirs; he is named at the beginning of 3 Psalms (Ps 39:1; 62:1; 77: either as the composer or the recipient of those Psalms but most likely as the leader of the choir by which those Psalms were to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Jeduthun. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalms 39:1.
לִֽ/ידוּת֗וּן
Yᵉdûwthûwn
H3038
"Jeduthun"
Prep | N-proper
Jeduthun was a Levite and the chief of a temple choir, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and Psalms 39, 62, and 77. His name means 'praising' and his descendants formed a perpetual temple choir.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; father of: Galal (H1559H) § Jeduthun = "praising" a Levite of the family of Merari and the chief of one of the 3 choirs of the temple whose descendants also formed one of the perpetual temple choirs; he is named at the beginning of 3 Psalms (Ps 39:1; 62:1; 77: either as the composer or the recipient of those Psalms but most likely as the leader of the choir by which those Psalms were to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Jeduthun. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalms 39:1.
מִזְמ֥וֹר
mizmôwr
H4210
"melody"
N-ms
This word refers to a melody or song, often with instrumental music. In the Bible, it is used to describe a psalm or poem set to notes. The KJV translates it as psalm.
Definition: melody, psalm
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: psalm. See also: Psalms 3:1; Psalms 63:1; Psalms 4:1.
לְ/דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 39:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 39:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 39:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 39:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 39:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 39:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
- Sermons on Psalms 39:1
Context — I Will Watch My Ways
1I 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.”
2I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred. 3My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:23 | He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. |
| 2 | Psalms 141:3 | Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. |
| 3 | James 1:26 | If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:9 | How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. |
| 5 | 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. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. |
| 6 | Psalms 34:13 | Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. |
| 7 | 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. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. |
| 8 | Hebrews 2:1 | We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. |
| 9 | Proverbs 4:26–27 | Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil. |
| 10 | 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.’ |
Psalms 39:1 Summary
This verse, Psalms 39:1, means that the psalmist is making a conscious effort to be careful with what he says, especially when he is around people who do not love God. He wants to make sure that his words are pleasing to God and do not cause harm to others. This is a good reminder for us to think before we speak, as stated in Proverbs 15:1, and to consider how our words may impact those around us. By being mindful of our words, we can show love and respect to others, just as Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 12:36-37.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated the psalmist to watch his ways and guard his mouth?
The presence of wicked people motivated the psalmist to be cautious with his words, as seen in Psalms 39:1, and this is a principle also found in Proverbs 10:32, where it is written that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.
Is it possible to completely avoid sinning with our tongue?
While it is not possible for us to be completely sinless, as stated in Romans 3:23, we can strive to control our tongue and speak wisely, as encouraged in Psalms 39:1 and James 1:26.
How can we balance being silent in the presence of wickedness and speaking out for what is right?
This balance can be found by following the example of Jesus, who knew when to be silent and when to speak out, as seen in Isaiah 53:7 and Matthew 27:12-14, and by seeking wisdom from God, as encouraged in James 1:5.
What role does self-control play in guarding our mouth?
Self-control is essential in guarding our mouth, as stated in Psalms 39:1, and is also listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, which helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Reflection Questions
- In what situations do I find it most challenging to control my tongue, and how can I apply the principle found in Psalms 39:1 to those situations?
- What are some ways that I can 'guard my mouth with a muzzle' in my daily interactions, especially when surrounded by those who may not share my values?
- How can I discern when to remain silent and when to speak out against wickedness, and what role does prayer play in this discernment process?
- In what ways can I use my words to build others up, rather than tearing them down, and how can I be an example of God's love and kindness in my speech?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 39:1
I said,.... That is, in his heart; he purposed and determined within himself to do as follows; and he might express it with his mouth, and so his purpose became a promise; I will take heed to my
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 39:1
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
Psalms 39 THE This Psalm was written by David when his mind was much discomposed and disquieted with the contemplation of the prosperity of sinners, and the afflictions of the godly; which being exemplified in himself and in his enemies, he speaks of the case not in general, but as in his own person. Jeduthun; one of the three chief masters of the sacred music; of whom see ,42 . David taketh care of his thoughts, words, and works, . He considereth the brevity and vanity of man’ s life, ; puts his hope in God, ; prayeth for the forgiveness of his sins, , and for favour in his pilgrimage, ,13. I said; I fully resolved. To my ways, i.e. to order all my actions aright, and particularly to govern my tongue, which is very hard to do, and especially under these provocations. That I sin not with my tongue; that if any evil thoughts or passions do arise in me, I will endeavour to suppress and mortify them, and not suffer them to boil and break forth into sinful and scandalous reflections upon God and his providence, as they usually do upon such occasions. As with a bridle, i. e. with all possible care and diligence. The phrase implies the great difficulty of ruling the tongue. Before me; either, 1.
In my presence. Or rather, 2. In my thoughts, as the same phrase is understood, , i.e. whilst I consider the flourishing estate of wicked men.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
Psalms 39:1 « 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.Ver. 1. I said, I will take heed] He resolved so, Psalms 38:13-14, sc. to continue as one deaf and dumb, to use Isaac’ s apology to scoffing Ishmael, viz. no apology, unless it be that which is real; for vivendo melius arguuntur obtrectatores, quam loquendo, slanderers and railers are best answered by silence. Eiusdem sensus est hic Psalmus cum priori (Kimchi). That I sin not with my tongue] A hard task, a long lesson, as Pambus, in the Ecclesiastical History, found it by experience; and after many years’ trial could not take it out. For the tongue is an unruly member; and "if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body," James 3:2. David resolved to temper his tongue, and to keep a bridle or a muzzle for his mouth, while he was in extremity of pain, and in the presence of the wicked, who lay at the catch, and would soon exclaim; but his heart deceived him, for he quickly after brake his word, Psalms 39:3, and made a rash request, Psalms 39:4, so great need is there that the best pray to God to keep the door, as Psalms 141:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
(1) My tongue.—To enter into the feeling of the poet we must remember the unrestrained way in which Orientals give way to grief. It was natural and becoming for him to “roar” (Psalms 38:8, &c.) out his indignation or his grief, to mutter (Psalms 1:2, &c) aloud his prayers, to speak out on every impulse. Now he determines to endure in silence and mutely bear the worst, rather than speak what may in the eyes of the impious be construed into a murmur against Divine Providence, into impatience under the Divine decree. (Comp. Psalms 38:13-14.) With a bridle.—See margin, and comp. Deuteronomy 25:4, where the cognate verb occurs. The root-meaning is “stop.” For the metaphor comp. James 1:26, and Plato, Laws, 3:701, “the argument, like a horse, ought to be pulled up from time to time, and not be allowed to run away, but held with bit and bridle.” (Comp. also Virgil, Æneid, vi. 79.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
PSALM XXXIX The psalmist's care and watchfulness over his thoughts, tongue, and actions, 1-3. He considers the brevity and uncertainty of human life, 4-7; prays for deliverance from sin, 8-11; and that he may be protected and spared till he is fitted for another world, 12, 13. NOTES ON PSALM XXXIX The title says, To the chief Musician, Jeduthun himself, A Psalm of David. It is supposed that this Jeduthun is the same with Ethan, 1 Chronicles 6:44, compared with 1 Chronicles 16:41; and is there numbered among the sons of Merari. And he is supposed to have been one of the four masters of music, or leaders of bands, belonging to the temple. And it is thought that David, having composed this Psalm, gave it to Jeduthun and his company to sing. But several have supposed that Jeduthun himself was the author. It is very likely that this Psalm was written on the same occasion with the preceding. It relates to a grievous malady by which David was afflicted after his transgression with Bath-sheba. See what has been said on the foregoing Psalm.
Verse 1. I said, I will take heed to my ways] I must be cautious because of my enemies; I must be patient because of my afflictions; I must be watchful over my tongue, lest I offend my GOD, or give my adversaries any cause to speak evil of me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 39:1
1–3. The resolution of silence in the presence of temptation.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 39:1
I said - This refers to a resolution which he had formed. He does not say, however, at what time of his life the resolution was adopted, or how long a period had elapsed from the time when he formed
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 39:1
1, 2. See on Psalms 38:13-14. Bridle—Or muzzle, implying restraint, That I sin not—The danger of sinning when speaking under strong excitement, also of being misinterpreted by enemies, led to this resolution.
Sermons on Psalms 39:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Tongues on Fire by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of being mindful of our words. He highlights how lies and negative words can have a l |
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Depression: The North American Epidemic by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of depression and how it can be caused by the normal problems of life. He emphasizes that even as believers, we can experience depr |
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The Biblical Theology of the Tongue by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon delves into the biblical theology of the tongue, emphasizing the power of words to either speak truth or error, highlighting the struggle with words that we all face. I |
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The Taming of the Tongue by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound impact of the tongue, likening it to a sword that can inflict deep wounds and damage relationships. He reflects on the various types of to |
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Remember Lot! by J.C. Ryle | C. Ernest Tatham discusses the three types of individuals likened to different dogs, emphasizing the importance of being like the dog that knows and loves his master, responding ob |
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Psalm 39 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the importance of guarding our speech, reflecting on the brevity of life and the emptiness of worldly pursuits. He emphasizes the power of a bridled tongue in |
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Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo |