Psalms 39:2

"For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”"

Key Reflection

David penned this psalm, likely during a time of intense pressure from his enemies, as indicated by the mention of wicked people being present. The original audience would have recognized "keeping one's mouth with a bridle" as a metaphor for self-restraint and careful speech, reflecting the cultural understanding that speaking recklessly could lead to sin or harm in the presence of adversaries. This practice of maintaining silence was seen as a form of wisdom and protection against accusations or traps set by enemies.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

I was dumb with silence -ComparePsalms 38:13. The addition of the words “with silence,” means that he was entirely or absolutely mute; he said nothing at all. The idea is, that he did not allow himself to give utterance to the thoughts which were passing in his mind in regard to the divine dealings. He kept his thoughts to himself, and endeavored to suppress them in his own bosom. I held my peace, even from good -I said nothing. I did not even say what I might have said in vindication of the ways of God.

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