Psalm 39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present."

◄ Psalm 39:1 ►

New International Version
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

New Living Translation
I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”

King James Bible
To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

New King James Version
To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 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.”

New American Standard Bible
For the music director, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will keep watch over my ways So that I do not sin with my tongue; I will keep watch over my mouth as with a muzzle While the wicked are in my presence.”

NASB 1995
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle While the wicked are in my presence.”

NASB 1977
I Said, “I will guard my ways, That I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, While the wicked are in my presence.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For the choir director. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will keep watch over my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep watch over my mouth as with a muzzle While the wicked are in my presence.”

Amplified Bible
To the Chief Musician; for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will guard my ways That I may not sin with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth While the wicked are in my presence.”

Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David. I said, “I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm. I said, “I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

American Standard Version
For the Chief Musician, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, While the wicked is before me.

Contemporary English Version
I told myself, "I'll be careful not to sin by what I say, and I'll muzzle my mouth when evil people are near."

English Revised Version
For the Chief Musician, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[For the choir director; for Jeduthun; a psalm by David.] I said, "I will watch my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue. I will bridle my mouth while wicked people are in my presence."

Good News Translation
I said, "I will be careful about what I do and will not let my tongue make me sin; I will not say anything while evil people are near."

International Standard Version
I told myself, "I will keep watch over my tongue to keep from sinning. I will muzzle my mouth when the wicked are around."

Majority Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, ?I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.?

NET Bible
For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David. I decided, "I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue. I will put a muzzle over my mouth while in the presence of an evil man."

New Heart English Bible
[For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.] I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I do not sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me."

Webster's Bible Translation
To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

World English Bible
For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
TO THE OVERSEER. FOR JEDUTHUN. A PSALM OF DAVID. I have said, “I observe my ways, "" Against sinning with my tongue, "" I keep a curb for my mouth, "" While the wicked [is] before me.”

Young's Literal Translation
To the Overseer, to Jeduthun. -- A Psalm of David. I have said, 'I observe my ways, Against sinning with my tongue, I keep for my mouth a curb, while the wicked is before me.'

Smith's Literal Translation
To the overseer, to Jeduthun: chanting of David. I said, I will watch my way from sinning with my tongue: I will watch for my mouth with a muzzle while yet the unjust one is before me.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Unto the end, for Idithun himself, a canticle of David. I said: I will take heed to my ways : that I sin not with my tongue. I have set guard to my mouth, when the sinner stood against me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Unto the end. For Jeduthun himself. A Canticle of David. I said, “I will keep to my ways, so that I will not offend with my tongue.” I posted a guard at my mouth, when a sinner took up a position against me.

New American Bible
For the leader, for Jeduthun. A psalm of David. [2] I said, “I will watch my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth.”

New Revised Standard Version
I said, “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
I SAID, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue; I will keep the words of my mouth under control while the wicked is before me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I have said that I would keep my way and that I would not sin with my tongue. I shall keep my mouth from evil because of the wicked who are before me.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For the Leader, for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said: 'I will take heed to my ways, That I sin not with my tongue; I will keep a curb upon my mouth, While the wicked is before me.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the end, a Song of David, to Idithun. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I set a guard on my mouth, while the sinner stood in my presence.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

I Will Watch My Ways
1For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” 2I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

James 3:2-10
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ...

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Matthew 5:37
Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Treasury of Scripture

I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

1 Chronicles 6:44
And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,

Psalm 62:1
To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

Psalm 77:1
To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

1 Chronicles 16:41
And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;

I said

Psalm 119:9
BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

1 Kings 2:4
That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

2 Kings 10:31
But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

that I

Psalm 12:4
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

Psalm 73:8,9
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily…

Psalm 141:3
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

my mouth [heb.

James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

James 3:2-8
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body…

while

Amos 5:13
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

Micah 7:5,6
Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom…

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

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Psalm 39

1. David's care of his thoughts
4. The consideration of the brevity and vanity of life
7. the reverence of God's judgments
10. and prayer, are his bridles of impatience

Berean Study Bible

I said
This phrase introduces the psalmist's internal dialogue, reflecting a moment of introspection and decision. The Hebrew word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speaking but a deep, thoughtful declaration. In the context of the Psalms, it suggests a solemn vow or resolution, indicating the seriousness with which the psalmist approaches the following commitments. This opening sets the tone for a reflective and purposeful meditation.

“I will watch my ways
The phrase "watch my ways" implies a vigilant self-examination and careful conduct. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַר" (shamar) means to guard, keep, or observe. This suggests an active, ongoing effort to monitor one's behavior and choices. In a biblical context, it reflects the wisdom literature's emphasis on living a life that aligns with God's commandments and moral principles. The psalmist's commitment to self-discipline is a call to believers to be mindful of their actions and their alignment with divine will.

so that I will not sin with my tongue
Here, the focus is on the tongue, a small but powerful part of the body that can lead to sin. The Hebrew word for "sin" is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or fall short of God's standards. The psalmist acknowledges the potential for words to cause harm and seeks to avoid this pitfall. This reflects the broader biblical teaching found in James 3:5-6, where the tongue is described as a fire, capable of great destruction. The psalmist's resolve serves as a reminder of the importance of controlling one's speech to maintain righteousness.

I will keep my mouth with a muzzle
The imagery of a muzzle suggests a strong, deliberate restraint. The Hebrew word "מַחְסוֹם" (machsom) refers to a device used to prevent an animal from biting or eating. This metaphor highlights the psalmist's determination to prevent any harmful or sinful words from escaping his lips. It underscores the need for self-control and the conscious effort required to maintain purity in speech. This vivid image serves as a powerful reminder of the discipline needed to uphold one's integrity and faithfulness to God.

as long as the wicked are present.”
The presence of the wicked introduces an external challenge to the psalmist's resolve. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which denotes those who are morally wrong or guilty. Their presence represents a test of the psalmist's commitment to righteousness. This phrase suggests that the psalmist is aware of the influence and provocation that the wicked can exert, and thus, he is even more determined to guard his speech. It highlights the importance of maintaining one's moral and spiritual integrity, even in the face of opposition or temptation. This serves as an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) My tongue.--To enter into the feeling of the poet we must remember the unrestrained way in which Orientals give way to grief. It was natural and becoming for him to "roar" (Psalm 38:8, &c.) out his indignation or his grief, to mutter (Psalm 1:2, &c) aloud his prayers, to speak out on every impulse. Now he determines to endure in silence and mutely bear the worst, rather than speak what may in the eyes of the impious be construed into a murmur against Divine Providence, into impatience under the Divine decree. (Comp. Psalm 38:13-14.)

With a bridle.--See margin, and comp. Deuteronomy 25:4, where the cognate verb occurs. The root-meaning is "stop." For the metaphor comp. James 1:26, and Plato, Laws, 3:701, "the argument, like a horse, ought to be pulled up from time to time, and not be allowed to run away, but held with bit and bridle." (Comp. also Virgil, 'neid, vi. 79.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 1. - I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue. There are no grounds for connecting this silence with the abstinence from self-vindication mentioned in the preceding psalm (vers. 13, 14). Indeed, it seems to have had a wholly different origin (see the introductory paragraph). I will keep my mouth with a bridle; i.e. "curb my impatience, restrain and keep in my speech." While the wicked is before me. The Prayer-book Version is better, if less literal, "While the ungodly is in my sight."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

For Jeduthun.
לִֽידוּת֗וּן (lî·ḏū·ṯūn)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3038: Jeduthun

A Psalm
מִזְמ֥וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָוִֽד׃ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

I said,
אָמַ֗רְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I will watch
אֶֽשְׁמְרָ֣ה (’eš·mə·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

my ways
דְרָכַי֮ (ḏə·rā·ḵay)
Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

so that I will not sin
מֵחֲט֪וֹא (mê·ḥă·ṭō·w)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

with my tongue;
בִלְשׁ֫וֹנִ֥י (ḇil·šō·w·nî)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3956: The tongue

I will guard
אֶשְׁמְרָ֥ה (’eš·mə·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

my mouth
לְפִ֥י (lə·p̄î)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

with a muzzle
מַחְס֑וֹם (maḥ·sō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4269: A muzzle

as
בְּעֹ֖ד (bə·‘ōḏ)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

long as the wicked
רָשָׁ֣ע (rā·šā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

are present.”
לְנֶגְדִּֽי׃ (lə·neḡ·dî)
Preposition-l | first person common singular
Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before

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OT Poetry: Psalm 39:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)