In this song the influence of the external troubles upon the inner life of the singer is revealed. Throughout it breathes the spirit of fear lest the soul should be seduced from the attitude of whole-hearted loyalty to God. The peril most evidently threatening arises from the enticements of the ungodly; and the psalmist earnestly prays that he may be protected by The LORD in speech and thought and action.
That he is able to say, "Mine eyes are unto Thee, O God the Lord," is a revelation of the fact that his anchor still holds, not only against the fierce onslaught of enemies, but also against the insidious temptation to turn aside from path of morality in order to escape the vindictive opposition of his enemies. If the former psalm reveals the perils of foes without, this no less clearly deals with the danger of fears within.
A Psalm of David. LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
Psalms 141:2
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Psalms 141:4
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.
Psalms 141:5
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.
Psalms 141:6
When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
Psalms 141:7
Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
Psalms 141:8
But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
Psalms 141:9
Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
Psalms 141:10
Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.
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