Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 141

A Prayer for God’s Help and HolinessIn this psalm, David teaches us to ask God for two important things: mercy to accept what we do well and grace to keep us from doing what is wrong. David is an example of someone who loves to pray and who also fears sin. He shows us how to pray for God’s favor and for strength to avoid temptation and evil.v. 1-2: David cries out to the Lord

v. 3: David is afraid of saying something wrong, so he asks God to guard his mouth. He prays, “Set a watch, O Lord

v. 4: David also asks God to keep his heart from wanting to do evil. He prays, “Incline not my heart to any evil thing” . He does not want to join with people who do wrong or be tempted by sinful pleasures. David knows that sin can look attractive, like a feast of “dainties,” but he asks God to keep him away from such temptations. He wants his heart and actions to stay pure, even when surrounded by evil.

Reproofs of the Righteous; Complaints and PetitionsThis section shows David’s humility and his desire to be corrected if he is wrong. He values honest advice from good people and prays for help in times of trouble. Even when he faces hardship, David puts his trust in God and asks for deliverance from danger. He believes that God can turn the evil plans of the wicked back onto themselves and keep His people safe.v. 5: David welcomes correction from the righteous. He says, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness” . He wants good people to tell him when he is wrong, because honest reproof helps him grow and avoid sin (Proverbs 6:23 ). David sees such correction as a healing oil, not a blow to his head. He promises to pray for those who help him in this way, even if he is suffering. True friends correct us for our good, and we should be thankful for their honesty (Proverbs 27:6 ).

v. 6: David hopes that one day his enemies will listen to the truth. He says that when their leaders are brought down, they will finally hear his words and see that they are good and gentle. Even powerful people can fall, and when that happens, they may finally value wisdom and compassion (1 Samuel 24:16; 1 Samuel 26:21 ).

v. 7: David describes how desperate his situation is. He feels like his bones are scattered at the edge of the grave, as if he is almost dead and forgotten. He compares himself and his friends to broken pieces left behind, just like chips among woodcutters (Psalm 129:3 ). Yet, even in such a low state, he does not give up hope.

v. 8: David turns his eyes to God for help. He says, “But my eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord

v. 9: David prays that God will keep him safe from the traps set by his enemies. He asks God to help him recognize and escape any hidden snares. He trusts that God can protect him from even the most clever plans against him.

v. 10: David asks that the wicked would fall into their own nets, while he escapes unharmed. He believes it is just for people who plan evil to be caught by their own tricks. At the same time, David prays for deliverance, trusting that God can free the righteous while the wicked are trapped in their own schemes.