PSALM 39 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was written by David when his mind was much discomposed and disquieted with the contemplation of the prosperity of sinners, and the afflictions of the godly; which being exemplified in himself and in his enemies, he speaks of the case not in general, but as in his own person. Jeduthun; one of the three chief masters of the sacred music; of whom see 1 Chronicles 16:41,42 2 Chronicles 5:12. David taketh care of his thoughts, words, and works, Psalms 39:1-3. He considereth the brevity and vanity of man's life, Psalms 39:4-6; puts his hope in God, Psalms 39:7; prayeth for the forgiveness of his sins, Psalms 39:8-11, and for favour in his pilgrimage, Psalms 39:12,13. I said; I fully resolved. To my ways, i.e. to order all my actions aright, and particularly to govern my tongue, which is very hard to do, and especially under these provocations. That I sin not with my tongue; that if any evil thoughts or passions do arise in me, I will endeavour to suppress and mortify them, and not suffer them to boil and break forth into sinful and scandalous reflections upon God and his providence, as they usually do upon such occasions. As with a bridle, i. e. with all possible care and diligence. The phrase implies the great difficulty of ruling the tongue. Before me; either,
1. In my presence. Or rather,
2. In my thoughts, as the same phrase is understood, Psalms 51:3, i.e. whilst I consider the flourishing estate of wicked men.