Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips. — Psalms 141:3
Followers of the Pew know what a big fan I am of silence.
God speaks to us in silence, and when we are talking we often miss his message.
Yet, there are times we must speak — an injustice gone unnoticed, to comfort a friend, or to teach a child, etc.
And yes, there are times we must remain silent — when our words cause needless harm, will my voice silence another whose words are important, etc.
I sense the psalmist is asking God to “set a watch.” (Which is interesting since I don’t think they had watches back when King David was alive. But biblical scholars probably have a good explanation.)
Yes, “Set a watch” (a timer so to speak) that requires us to pause and consider whether silence or speaking is the right action.
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