Bible Commentary

Psalms 141:5-10

Matthew Henry on Psalms 141:5-10

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

We should be ready to welcome the rebuke of our heavenly Father, and also the reproof of our brethren. It shall not break my head, if it may but help to break my heart: we must show that we take it kindly.

Those who slighted the word of God before, will be glad of it when in affliction, for that opens the ear to instruction. When the world is bitter, the word is sweet. Let us lift our prayer unto God. Let us entreat him to rescue us from the snares of Satan, and of all the workers of iniquity.

In language like this psalm, O Lord, would we entreat that our poor prayers should set forth our only hope, our only dependence on thee. Grant us thy grace, that we may be prepared for this employment, being clothed with thy righteousness, and having all the gifts of thy Spirit planted in our hearts.

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The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10Psalms 141:1-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryA comprehensive prayer. The psalm has some peculiar difficulties, due to the extreme abruptness with which the thoughts follow one another, and the great obscurity which hangs over the allusions. Let us try and select t…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10Psalms 141:1-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION ALMOST wholly a psalm of supplication. David is again in danger, and needs a prompt deliverance (Psalms 141:1). This time the danger seems to be that he may fall away, and be absorbed into the company of the…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10Psalms 141:1-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryAcceptable sacrifices. The more distinctive teaching of this psalm respects— I. THE SACRIFICE OF PRAYER. (Psalms 141:2, Psalms 141:8, Psalms 141:9.) When the sacrificial services of the tabernacle (or temple) could not…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10Psalms 141:1-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryKeep me from the snares. This difficult psalm seems to be the cry of a greatly tempted soul. And the temptation now did not arise so much from the persecutions of the ungodly as from their seducing favors—what he calls…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:5Psalms 141:5 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe excellent oil of reproof; or, kindness smiting. Much may be learned from this verse concerning the very difficult and delicate task of reproving others. We learn— I. THAT REPROOF MAY BE SO ADMINISTERED AS TO BE EVEN…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:5Psalms 141:5 · The Pulpit CommentaryLet the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness; rather, let the righteous smite me kindly, as in the margin. And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head; rather, which my head…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10EXPOSITION ALMOST wholly a psalm of supplication. David is again in danger, and needs a prompt deliverance (Psalms 141:1). This time the danger seems to be that he may fall away, and be absorbed into the company of the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10A comprehensive prayer. The psalm has some peculiar difficulties, due to the extreme abruptness with which the thoughts follow one another, and the great obscurity which hangs over the allusions. Let us try and select t…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10Acceptable sacrifices. The more distinctive teaching of this psalm respects— I. THE SACRIFICE OF PRAYER. (Psalms 141:2, Psalms 141:8, Psalms 141:9.) When the sacrificial services of the tabernacle (or temple) could not…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:1-10Keep me from the snares. This difficult psalm seems to be the cry of a greatly tempted soul. And the temptation now did not arise so much from the persecutions of the ungodly as from their seducing favors—what he calls…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:5The excellent oil of reproof; or, kindness smiting. Much may be learned from this verse concerning the very difficult and delicate task of reproving others. We learn— I. THAT REPROOF MAY BE SO ADMINISTERED AS TO BE EVEN…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:5Reproof and kindness. "Let the righteous man treat me with any amount of ignominious reproach for my sins, yet I will prefer him to the ungodly, however prosperous, my prayer being ever that I may be saved from the evil…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:5Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness; rather, let the righteous smite me kindly, as in the margin. And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head; rather, which my head…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 141:5Praying for others. The psalmist here says he will do this. We need not trouble about the right rendering of this difficult verse, but may take it as it stands. It says that the calamities of the righteous shall stir th…Joseph S. Exell and contributors