Psalm 141

“Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil …” (v4). In humility, the psalmist asked God to protect him from wrong affections and desires, realizing that his heart could lead him to “wicked deeds” – just as Jesus explained, centuries later (Mark 7). The psalmist preferred to be “rebuked” by a righteous friend and have his pride hurt rather than stray from the Lord’s will (v5). He prayed to be kept safe from the “traps” of the enemy (v9).

“But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord – in you I take refuge” (v8). We don’t have to depend on our own strength against temptation; the Lord is our help and protection.