Psalms 141:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David asks God to guard his mouth and lips so he will speak carefully.
The Context of Psalms 141:3
Prayer for God's help in controlling speech.
What Does Psalms 141:3 Mean?
The psalmist recognizes his vulnerability to careless or sinful speech. By asking God to place a 'watch' before his mouth, he seeks divine help to control what he says, much as a guard controls passage through a door.
Guarding the lips was a common ancient Near Eastern wisdom principle. This request reveals David's spiritual maturity: he does not trust his own ability to speak wisely and calls upon God's help to prevent reckless or harmful words.
Psalms 141:3 in the Original Language
šāmar (שָׁמַר), 'keep' — to guard, protect, or watch over something entrusted to one's care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 141:3
What does Psalms 141:3 mean?
David asks God to guard his mouth and lips so he will speak carefully.
What is the context of Psalms 141:3?
Prayer for God's help in controlling speech.