“For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 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." I was mute and silent, I refrained even from good, And my sorrow grew worse. My heart was hot within me, While I was musing the fire burned; Then I spoke with my tongue: "LORD, make me to know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am. "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. "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. "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. "Deliver me from all my transgressions; Make me not the reproach of the foolish. "I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, because it is You who have done it. "Remove Your plague from me; Because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing. "With reproofs You chasten a man for iniquity; You consume as a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath. Selah. "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner like all my fathers. "Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again before I depart and am no more." (Psalms 39:1-13)
The psalmist holds his tongue as he ponders life's brevity, fearing his words might harm his religion and give the wicked reason to blaspheme God.
However, it is too much for him to remain silent as he considered his situation. As he mused, a fire stirred in his soul and burst forth in prayer. Like many of our prayers, he cries out about what torments his soul. "Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry."
This is right and good. Prayer is our escape from anxiety. As it is written, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Remember, you can always speak to God. There will be many times when holding your tongue before the wicked is advised. It is even good sometimes not to speak to brethren if your words are full of vanity. However, God listens carefully for the cries of His children. Remember, He loves you.
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