391 I said , "I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue ; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle While the wicked are in my presence ." 2 I was mute and silent , I refrained even from good , And my sorrow grew worse . 3 My heart was hot within me, While I was musing the fire burned ; Then I spoke with my tongue : 4 "Lord , make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days ; Let me know how transient I am. 5 "Behold , You have made my days as handbreadths , And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight ; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath . Selah . 6 "Surely every man walks about as a phantom ; Surely they make an uproar for nothing ; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 39:1-6
Commentary on Psalm 39:1-6
(Read Psalm 39:1-6)
If an evil thought should arise in the mind, suppress it. Watchfulness in the habit, is the bridle upon the head; watchfulness in acts, is the hand upon the bridle. When not able to separate from wicked men, we should remember they will watch our words, and turn them, if they can, to our disadvantage. Sometimes it may be necessary to keep silence, even from good words; but in general we are wrong when backward to engage in edifying discourse. Impatience is a sin that has its cause within ourselves, and that is, musing; and its ill effects upon ourselves, and that is no less than burning. In our greatest health and prosperity, every man is altogether vanity, he cannot live long; he may die soon. This is an undoubted truth, but we are very unwilling to believe it. Therefore let us pray that God would enlighten our minds by his Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts with his grace, that we may be ready for death every day and hour.