What does Psalm 141:6 mean?
What is the meaning of Psalm 141:6?

When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs

“ When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs…” (Psalm 141:6a)

David pictures wicked leaders being violently removed so that their harmful influence ends. He does not gloat; he simply trusts God’s just intervention.

Psalm 37:9–10 shows evildoers cut off while those who wait on the LORD inherit the land.

Psalm 110:5–6 anticipates the LORD shattering kings in the day of His wrath.

2 Kings 9:33 records Jezebel hurled from a window—an historical example of corrupt authority brought low.

2 Chronicles 25:11–12 describes Edomite soldiers cast from a cliff, underlining God’s ability to judge even military powers.

For believers the verse reminds us:

• God hears prayers for deliverance from oppressive leadership (Psalm 72:4).

• We are spared the burden of revenge; justice belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19).


the people will listen to my words

“…the people will listen to my words…” (Psalm 141:6b)

With the ungodly rulers removed, the audience once deaf to truth finally pays attention. David trusts that God-given words will find receptive ears when obstacles disappear.

1 Samuel 22:1–2 shows distressed people gathering to David and receiving his guidance once Saul’s hostility pushed them out.

Acts 4:13–14 illustrates how crowds listened to Peter and John when the Sanhedrin’s intimidation could not silence them.

Psalm 119:130 celebrates how the unfolding of God’s words gives light and understanding to the simple.

Takeaways:

• Faithful speech may be ignored for a season, but God can create open doors (1 Corinthians 16:9).

• The same lips that cry out for protection should be ready with gracious truth when listeners appear (1 Peter 3:15).


for they are pleasant

“…for they are pleasant.” (Psalm 141:6c)

David is confident his words—rooted in God’s righteousness—will prove sweet, refreshing, and life-giving.

Proverbs 16:24 notes, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Psalm 119:103 declares God’s words “sweeter than honey.”

Colossians 4:6 urges speech seasoned with grace, echoing David’s aim.

Implications:

• Truth presented with humility becomes attractive once the fog of corruption lifts (James 3:17).

• Pleasant does not mean diluted; it means wholesome, edifying, and aligned with God’s character (Ephesians 4:29).


summary

Psalm 141:6 portrays God overturning corrupt leadership, clearing space for His servant’s gracious, truthful words to be heard and appreciated. The verse reassures us that the Lord both judges evil and vindicates faithful testimony, turning once-hard hearts into attentive listeners when His timing arrives.

What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 141:5?
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