“ Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.”
- Psalm 141:3-4 -

In Psalm 141, David recognizes his own propensity to sin and expresses his need of God’s help to maintain his own integrity by refusing to compromise with wickedness.

David asks God to guard his lips so that he will not say anything that would meet sin halfway (v 3). He realizes that the tongue is ‘a world of evil among the parts of the body’. He knows that the words we speak are sourced from what is found in our hearts (v 4). Therefore David asks for strength to avoid the influence of evildoers that could easily lead him astray. By wanting to avoid the ‘delicacies’ of the wicked (v 4), he shows us how important it is to choose our close friends wisely (v 5)! As the Greek poet Menander wrote, quoted by Paul, ‘Bad company corrupts good character’.

By ensuring that we nurture our communion with fellow believers who will gently rebuke us when necessary, we will encourage ourselves to continue in the ways of God (v 5). David also acknowledges that surrounding ourselves only with yes-men will not do!

Closing Prayer: Father God, I ask for friends who will speak the truth in love to me. I know I can so easily wander away from you and I need others to encourage me to stay close to you.