February 24, 2009
I.Y.C.S.A.N.D.S.A.
Psalm 39
Ryan Bowles
Central Truth
There is a lot more to this psalm than what is found in the first verse, but David begins by resolving to control his tongue. So should we all.
Key Verse | Psalm 39:1
I decided, "I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue." (Psalm 39:1a)
Psalm 39
What Is the Measure of My Days?
To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1
I said, “I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2
I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3
My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4
“O LORD, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6
Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing
1
39:6
Hebrew Surely as a breath
they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8
Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9
I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
for it is you who have done it.
10
Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11
When you discipline a man
with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
12
Hear my prayer, O LORD,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
13
Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!”
Dive Deeper | Psalm 39
One of my parents' many pearls of wisdom when I was growing up has, as so often happens, become mine now that I'm a parent. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything. I.Y.C.S.A.N.D.S.A. Though I clearly remember it and now admonish my kids the same way, I would do well to heed it more often.
How many times have I spoken unkindly to my family or friends simply because I didn't exercise restraint? (That's a rhetorical question, by the way, so no need to email me). And what a better husband, father, and friend I could be if I spoke gently instead of harshly.
In Psalm 39 David laments his weakness, his mortality, and life's brevity. Yet, he refuses to do it in the presence of the godless so that his words are not perceived as an insult to God. The rest of the first verse says, "I will put a muzzle over my mouth while in the presence of an evil man." (Psalm 39:1b) Rather than speak unkindly, he restrains his tongue. Using a muzzle on my kids is probably not the answer, but boy, I sure wish I had one for myself sometimes.
Isn't it amazing how hurtful words can be? How much they sting? And how deeply they cut? "[I]t is what comes out of the mouth,'" says Jesus, "that defiles a person." (Matthew 15:11)
So whether I'm speaking to God, my wife, my children, or to "an evil man," I must restrain my tongue—not to be silent, but to encourage others. For words, when used well, can heal and strengthen and give life. I will pray, then, for what is better than a muzzle: the ability to speak with kindness and love. "O Lord, place a guard on my mouth! Protect the opening of my lips!" (Psalm 141:3)
Discussion Questions
1. Why is it sometimes difficult to control your tongue?
2. When, recently, have you used words to hurt? To heal?
3. Think of an instance in which someone used words to hurt you. Have you forgiven that person?