Psalm 141: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 141 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls on Yahweh for quick assistance, asking Him to listen to his voice (vv. 1-2). He desires his prayer to be like incense and his hands lifted as an evening sacrifice. Next, he prays for speech and integrity, seeking a guard over his mouth and asking Yahweh to keep his heart from evil actions and the temptation of the wicked (vv. 3-5). The psalmist expresses a willingness to accept correction from the righteous, viewing it as kindness, and he contrasts this with his ongoing prayer against evil deeds (vv. 5-6).

Key verse

“Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.”
Psalms 141:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 141:1–2 A Call for Divine Attention
Psalm 141:3–5 Prayer for Speech and Integrity
Psalm 141:6–8 Acceptance of Correction
Psalm 141:9–10 Protection from Evil

Discussion questions

In v1, what does David ask Yahweh to listen to when he calls?
What does David ask Yahweh to keep in v3 regarding his speech?
In v5, why does David state that correction from the righteous is 'like oil on the head'?
David's plea in v9: what does he mean by 'the snare which they have laid for me'?
When have you felt the need to avoid 'delicacies' of those who do evil, as in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 141: James 1, Psalm 39, Daniel 1.

Before next time: read Psalm 142.