To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

PSALMS 39:1KJV
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Psalms 39:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 39:1 mean?

Psalms 39:1 describes David’s careful decision to watch what he says, so that he does not sin with his words, especially when surrounded by those who do wrong. David compares his self-control to putting a bridle on his mouth, like one would use to control a horse.

David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God and reflecting on his own behavior in difficult situations. The verse shows David’s awareness that words can cause harm, and his determination to be cautious, particularly when “the wicked” are present. The setting is personal and introspective, with David expressing a commitment to self-discipline in speech as part of his relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 39:1

  • “I will take heed” (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to keep, guard, or watch closely. David’s use of this word shows a deliberate, ongoing effort to monitor his actions, not just a one-time decision.
  • “Sin” (חָטָא, chata’): This word means to miss the mark or do wrong. David is specifically concerned about failing in the area of speech, highlighting how easy it is to go astray with words.
  • “Bridle” (מַסְמוּת, masmuth): This is a rare word for a device used to control an animal’s mouth. By using this image, David emphasizes the need for strong restraint over his speech, not just mild caution.
  • “Wicked” (רָשָׁע, rasha’): This term refers to those who act unjustly or oppose God’s ways. David’s caution is heightened because he is aware that his words are especially important in the presence of those who do not follow God.

Why Psalms 39:1 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that only actions matter; David shows that words themselves can be a source of sin and require careful control.
  • The verse highlights the challenge of maintaining integrity in difficult company, showing that self-control is especially important when surrounded by those who might provoke or tempt.
  • Psalms 39:1 sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which explores themes of restraint, reflection, and the struggle to live rightly in a complicated world.

Where else these words appear

“Jeduthun” Hebrew H3038 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
  • 2 Chronicles 29:14 And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

“tongue” Hebrew H3956 · used in 115 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Psalms 45:1 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
  • Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.