Read Psalms 141 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 141 is David’s prayer for urgent, reverent access to God—asking that his worship and words be acceptable, like an evening sacrifice. He pleads for guarded speech and a protected heart, so he will not be drawn into sinful companionship or “dainty” temptations. He welcomes righteous correction as a mercy, while continuing in prayer against evil. The psalm also faces real danger and injustice, yet ends with steadfast trust: David’s eyes remain on the Lord GOD, and he asks for preservation from traps and violent men.
Psalms 141:1 - 141:10
1 A Psalm of David. Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
4 Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
5 Let the righteous smite me; [it shall be] a kindness: and let him reprove me; [it shall be] an excellent oil, [which] shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also [shall be] in their calamities.
6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
7 Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth [wood] upon the earth.
8 But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
9 Keep me from the snares [which] they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.