Psalm 140-141

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; … Do not incline my heart to any evil thing” (141:3-4). The most difficult temptations begin as quiet, inward desires and feelings. There is real danger outside, too, and the psalmist asked for God’s physical protection (Ps 140). But his soul was in more danger from his own anger, bitterness, cruel words, lust, and envy. He asked God to help him avoid indulging in the “delicacies” of evil (v4) - those attractive, pleasurable choices that trap us in sin.

No matter what the temptation, if we call on God, we can “pass by safely” (v10).