A Time to Not Say Anything

I said, “I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.  (Psalm 39:1)

Here is the scenario.

In Psalm 39, we see a time in the life of David in which he feels like he should not speak. David is dealing with a trial (maybe related to his own sin), but we don’t know specifically what else it could be – sickness, family concerns, internal political upheaval or rebellion, etc.

What we do know is that trials often struck the house of David. And it is an obviously painful issue as it has caused him to reflect on the brevity of how own life. David is thankful his circumstances are temporary in light of eternity.

So, we find David guarding his “tongue” because he is afraid if he verbally responds to this trial his enemies – “the wicked” – might use it against him He didn’t want them to misunderstand or misuse his words or reactions. In fact, when David does speak he chooses to speak before God and not men – “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of mny days; let me know how fleeting I am!” (vs. 4)

What could David be afraid of that they will do with his words? There are 2 possible answers to that question: he didn’t want to be found criticizing God for his predicament or he didn’t want to be found complaining about his predicament.

Either of those would be “food for fodder” for his enemies to use against him and his relationship with God.  

H.C. Leupold adds from his commentary, “It is not said what they would do, but it may well be inferred that they would gloat over the lack of faith or of self-restraint on the part of a godly man and would thus be led to make remarks that would not tend to the glory of God.”

David chose to be silent.

David was cautious and prudent because he didn’t want to cause any further injury to himself or others. He put a “muzzle” over his tongue to keep himself from speaking. He found silence to be the godly response at this time.

He previews a principle for that would later come in James 1:19 – “be slow to speak.” You see, we don’t always have to have something to say. Sometimes, our silence is wiser than our speech.