Psalm 39 - 3.11.25
SCRIPTURE: PSALM 39:1-2
“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.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good.”
OBSERVATION
David, the writer of this Psalm, begins with recounting his commitment to God to watch what he does and says to avoid sin. We’re reminded by David’s actions to recall our commitment, our resolve, and solemn promises made to God, yet sometimes we can take those commitments to the extreme. David recognized that avoiding sinful talk around the wicked also kept him from saying anything good. The bottom line is we need to be careful of what we do and say, to not sin with our words, but don’t stay quiet when it comes to good things.
APPLICATION
David shows one way he applied his commitment to not sin with his mouth – especially around wicked people who could use what is said against him - by putting a muzzle on his mouth. A muzzle is something that can force someone to not use the mouth in the wrong way - just like a muzzle on a violent dog. Although I doubt he actually wore a muzzle but the visual use of a muzzle sounds about right to control the mouth. Take note he’s the one who puts the muzzle on his mouth – not anyone else. It’s our own personal responsibility to do whatever it takes to control our mouth.
Controlling what is said, to avoid sin, and how we’re to use and not use our mouth or tongue is covered multiple times in the scriptures. There are 133 references in the Bible using the word “tongue” and 303 using the word “mouth.” Here are few:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” Ephesians 4:29
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” James 3:9 - 10
Let’s face it, we’ve all had instances in our life where we have not controlled what we’ve said. Those instances might be from yesterday, today or a long time ago. It could be a curse word said when someone does anything against you, or gossip about others, or a slanderous word about someone or an outright lie. Controlling our mouth / tongue is hard and it’s also easy to fall into sin. We need God’s muzzle on our mouth!
David used recalling his commitment to God to help muzzle his mouth. Being mindful of your position in Christ, your commitment to live a life that is pleasing to Him, being in prayer, and reading His scriptures are all ways to help control your actions and mouth from sin. Just be sure that doesn’t mean you’ll avoid saying the good things even around wicked people.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to be continually mindful of your ways to control my mouth. Forgive me when my words have been sinful. Help me, Lord, to always have words that are pleasing to you, that are an encouragement to others, to uplift and point everyone to you. In Jesus name, amen and amen!
- Mary Oberg
