Psalm 39 1

Psalm 39:1 kjv

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.

Psalm 39:1 nkjv

To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me."

Psalm 39:1 niv

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked."

Psalm 39:1 esv

I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence."

Psalm 39:1 nlt

I said to myself, "I will watch what I do
and not sin in what I say.
I will hold my tongue
when the ungodly are around me."

Psalm 39 verses

Psalm 39 1 Meaning

Psalm 39:1 expresses the psalmist's resolute commitment to exercise utmost care over his conduct and, more specifically, his words, to prevent sin. He resolves to maintain strict self-control over his tongue and mouth, akin to putting a bridle on an animal, particularly when in the presence of ungodly individuals. This restraint serves to avoid any transgression that might arise from unguarded speech, preserving his integrity and preventing a misrepresentation of his faith.

Psalm 39 1 Context

Psalm 39 is a personal lament, likely authored by David during a time of great distress, possibly affliction, as implied by verses 9-11. The psalm falls within the structure of a "Maskil," denoting a didactic or contemplative psalm, instructing the reader through personal experience. It moves from initial resolution (v. 1-2) to frustrated prayer (v. 3-6) and finally a plea for God's intervention (v. 7-13).

Verse 1 establishes the psalmist's initial attempt to manage his suffering and navigate a challenging social environment—specifically, the presence of "the wicked." This immediate context suggests that David's caution in speech is not merely about general piety but is a deliberate strategy to avoid sin that could arise from either an unbridled reaction to affliction, a lapse in judgment before observers who might mock his faith, or the uttering of complaints that would reflect poorly on God or his own steadfastness. His silence is a form of spiritual discipline, designed to protect his "ways" from external scrutiny and internal compromise.

Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies valued wisdom, and self-control, particularly in speech, was often a mark of a wise person. The dangers of uncontrolled words—provoking conflict, uttering curses, bearing false witness, or blaspheming God—were well understood. In the face of those who might malign God or his servants, the disciplined believer chose quietude over contentious speech, demonstrating a reliance on divine vindication rather than engaging in fruitless debate. This posture could be seen as an implicit counter-cultural stance against those who freely spoke wickedly, upholding a higher standard of righteous conduct.

Psalm 39 1 Word analysis

• I said (Hebrew: אָמַר, 'amar): Not merely a fleeting thought, but a deep, settled, and deliberate resolution, a commitment made to oneself. It signifies an intentional internal declaration, a choice of will.
• I will take heed (Hebrew: אֶשְׁמְרָה, 'eshmerah, from שָׁמַר, shamar): Means to guard, watch over, observe, keep diligently, protect. This isn't passive awareness but active, vigilant self-oversight. It implies constant attentiveness to avoid straying.
• my ways (Hebrew: דְרָכַי, derakhai): Refers to one's entire conduct, lifestyle, course of action, or path in life. It encompasses all behavior, decisions, and patterns of living.
• that I sin not (Hebrew: לֹֽא־אֶֽחֱטָא, lo'-'echeta'): This clause states the explicit purpose of his self-monitoring—to avoid "missing the mark" (חָטָא, chaṭa', the root for sin), failing morally, or transgressing against God's law.
• with my tongue (Hebrew: בִּלְשֹׁונִי, bilshoni): Specifically highlights the instrument of speech as a primary area of potential sin. The tongue's power for both good and evil is a recurrent biblical theme (e.g., Jas 3).
• I will keep (Hebrew: אֶשְׁמְרָה, 'eshmerah): Again, the root shamar, reinforcing the diligent guarding of.
• my mouth (Hebrew: פִי, pi): A more general reference to the organ of speech than "tongue," implying the broader faculty of verbal expression.
• with a bridle (Hebrew: מַחְסוֹם, machsom): Literally "a muzzle" or "a bit." This vivid metaphor depicts a powerful and deliberate external restraint applied to control movement and expression, emphasizing forceful suppression and careful limitation of speech.
• while the wicked is before me (Hebrew: כָּל־עוֹד רָשָׁע לְנֶגְדִּי, kal-od rasha l'negdi): This crucial condition clarifies the specific context for such stringent self-control. "The wicked" (rasha`) refers to those who are ungodly, lawless, or hostile to God's ways. "Before me" implies their presence, observation, or perhaps even their challenging words or actions. The psalmist's silence is not weakness but a strategic spiritual act to avoid: (1) giving them occasion to mock or accuse, (2) providing ammunition for their ungodly agendas, (3) lowering himself to their level of discourse, or (4) expressing doubt or impatience that would dishonor God in their sight.

Psalm 39 1 Bonus section

The profound silence initially proposed in this verse ultimately breaks later in the Psalm, highlighting the severe internal pressure and human frailty under affliction. David finds it impossible to maintain absolute silence when suffering overwhelms him (Ps 39:2-3). This tension demonstrates that while the ideal of bridled speech is righteous, the human experience, even for a person of faith, is often marked by deep internal struggles that may lead to outward expressions of anguish, though ideally still directed toward God. Thus, Psalm 39:1 sets a high aspiration for spiritual self-control, acknowledging its difficulty and the need for divine aid to achieve it. The discipline of the tongue, therefore, is not solely an act of will but often a result of God's work in shaping and empowering the believer.

Psalm 39 1 Commentary

Psalm 39:1 opens with a powerful resolve to discipline the self, specifically the tongue, as a safeguard against sin. The psalmist understands that external circumstances, particularly the presence of the wicked, necessitate extreme caution in communication. This isn't merely about good manners, but profound spiritual wisdom. In a world often hostile or indifferent to godly principles, unguarded speech can easily become a source of sin—whether through impatient complaint, a lack of trust in God's timing, or words that provide opportunity for others to slander God's name.

The double emphasis on "guarding" (my ways, my mouth) underscores the continuous and deliberate effort required for such self-mastery. The metaphor of the "bridle" vividly illustrates the intensity of this internal commitment—it's a conscious, sometimes painful, effort to curb natural impulses and reactions. This discipline protects not only the individual's reputation but, more importantly, the integrity of his witness to the divine. It acknowledges that sometimes the most profound testimony is not spoken word, but strategic silence, rooted in trust in God's ultimate justice and wisdom. This verse challenges believers to consider the broader impact of their words, especially in the presence of those who might be quick to find fault with faith.

• Practical Examples:
  • A believer remaining silent when unjustly criticized at work, rather than retaliating with harsh words, to avoid disgracing Christ's name.
  • Choosing not to join in gossip or cynical commentary about authority figures, even if accurate, when non-believers are present.
  • A Christian exercising patience and restraint in a challenging discussion, letting wisdom and charity guide their speech, instead of emotional reaction.