Psalm 141 (140):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After seeking the Lord for His attention and favor in prayer, consider the nature of the first request made by the prophet. He does not ask for wealth, human accolades, triumph over adversaries, or even offspring; instead, he lays aside all these desires to seek what truly should be presented to God. But you may wonder whether it is not necessary to request physical provisions. Yes, it is essential—though in moderation—as Jacob expressed: "If the Lord God will give me bread to eat and clothes to wear" (Gen. 28:20), and as Jesus taught us to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). Most importantly, we ought to seek spiritual gifts. This is precisely the aim of the Psalmist when he declares: "Put, O Lord, a guard at my mouth." Do you recognize his insight? He begins his request with the cardinal of all virtues, which, when overlooked, leads to myriad problems; yet when earnestly pursued, it leads to goodness. Indeed, much harm comes through our speech, just as refraining from it can yield great benefit. A house, city, or fortification is pointless without sentinels who know when to lock and unlock them; likewise, the tongue and mouth hold no value if the mind does not manage them with discernment and caution, knowing precisely what to express and what to withhold. "Not so many," says the Wise One, "have fallen by the edge of the sword, as have fallen by the tongue" (Sir 28:21); and the Lord affirms: "Not that which enters the mouth defiles a man, but that which comes out of the mouth defiles a man" (Matt. 15:11). Moreover, another proverb goes: "For your words you shall make a weight and a measure, and your mouth shall be a door and a lock" (Sir 28:29). The Psalmist, aware of the difficulty of this endeavor, seeks divine assistance. The Wise One echoes this sentiment: "Who shall give me the seal of discretion upon my lips?" (Cyr. 22:31). We must do our part, hence the directive: "You shall make for your mouth a door and a lock;" yet we should continually request God's aid to ensure our diligence is manifested in action. We should keep our mouths restrained and our minds guarded like a lock—not that they should remain closed perpetually, but opened at the appropriate time. Sometimes silence is more beneficial than speech, and at other times, words are more powerful than silence, as the Wise One observed: "A time to be silent and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:7). If the mouth were always to be open, a door would serve no purpose; and if it were perpetually shut, what need would there be for storage? The door's purpose is for organizing actions at the right moment. In another sense, it is said: "For your words you shall make a weight and a measure" (Sir. 28:29), emphasizing that not only should we utter words as required, but we must do so thoughtfully and carefully. If we meticulously measure our speech like precious gold, how much more should we apply this approach to our words to ensure balance and propriety? This is why the Wise One counsels: "Do not withhold a word when it can assist" (Sir. 4:27). Do you see the significance of timing in our speech? Furthermore, he advises that if you possess knowledge, respond to your neighbor; but if lacking, let your hand be upon your mouth (Sir. 5:14). Also: "He who speaks much will find disillusionment" (Sir. 20:8). "Better is a man who conceals his folly than a man who blots out his wisdom" (Sir. 20:31). "You have heard the word, let it die with you; fear not, it shall not dissolve you" (Sir. 19:10). Additionally, "The one who speaks foolishly suffers the same agony as a woman in childbirth" (Sir. 19:11). The Wise One elaborates on the measure of speech: "Speak, young man, if necessary, seldom more than two words; when asked, communicate the essence succinctly. Know how to speak and when to remain silent" (Sir. 32:9, 10). Exercising wisdom demands that the tongue be utilized cautiously. Therefore, it is stated: "There is rebuke, but not at the right moment, and one remains silent—and is prudent; while another is silent—and is deemed wise" (Sir. 19:28; Sir. 20:5). It is vital not only to refrain from excessive speech and to speak sincerely but also to communicate with grace; this is why Paul advises: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each person" (Col. 4:6). Recognize that this is the organ through which we commune with God, rendering Him praise; it is also how we receive the Holy Sacrifice. Believers grasp the truth of this. Consequently, it must be purified from all condemnation, slander, and vile talk. If an evil thought arises, we should suppress it internally, not allowing it to manifest as speech. Should timidity provoke you to complain, root out this weakness, maintaining a steadfast gate. Furthermore, sinful inclinations should not be allowed to take root; those that arise must be stifled and eradicated. Job exemplified such control over his tongue; he never uttered a word of filth, maintaining silence most often, and when responding to his wife, his words were marked by wisdom. One should speak only when words carry more weight than silence. For this reason, Christ warned: "For every idle word people speak, they will give account on the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36). Paul adds: "Let no corrupt word proceed from your mouth" (Eph. 4:29). To safely guard this door and ensure it is securely managed, we must also heed the scripture that instructs: "Let all your discourse align with the law of the Most High" (Sir. 9:20). If you learn to refrain from superfluous speech and constantly guard both your thoughts and your lips with insights from the Holy Scriptures, your vigilance will be stronger than adamant. There are various forms of destruction via the mouth: speaking irreverently, mocking, engaging in empty chatter, or displaying arrogance—like the Pharisee who, unable to restrain his speech, carelessly divulged all within him, akin to a house lacking a door, leading him to sudden poverty. Another example is one who perished due to vanity, arrogantly declaring: "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God" (Isaiah 14:13). The Israelites often found joy in their neighbor's misfortunes, encountering claims such as: "Every one who does evil is deemed good in the sight of the Lord"; they sometimes chastised themselves for their complaints, believing that "those who commit iniquity fare better, even daring to tempt God." Today, we still hear praises for the proud (Malachi 2:17; Malachi 3:15). Others fell victim to their complaints, as Paul cautions: "Do not murmur, as some of them murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer" (1 Cor. 10:10). When did they murmur? They lamented, "Are there no graves in Egypt that you have brought us to die in the wilderness?" (Ex. 14:11). Many were guilty of mockery: they feasted and then "rose up to play" (Ex. 32:6). Others spoke ill of one another: "He who is angry with his brother without cause is in danger of judgment; but whoever says to his brother, 'Raca,' is in danger of the court" (Matthew 5:22). Various others met destruction for their inopportune words. Should you wish to see how some have also suffered from inappropriate silence, consider this: "If you do not warn the wicked, I will require his blood at your hands" (Ezekiel 3:18). Some erred by indiscriminately sharing words entrusted to them: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs, or cast your pearls before swine" (Matthew 7:6). There are those who suffer for their laughter: "Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep" (Luke 6:25). Do you see how mouths can both destroy and bring salvation? Observe the Pharisee who was led to ruin through his words; in contrast, look to the tax collector who found deliverance through his humble cries. Witness the foreigner punished for his arrogance, while the righteous man, in humility, declared: "I am dust and ashes" (Genesis 18:27). Consider the one who delights in the suffering of others and pays the price, while the compassionate one receives salvation—it is noted: "Put a mark on the foreheads of those who mourn and sigh" (Ezekiel 9:4). Thus, Paul advises: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Rom. 12:15); should you find yourself unable to do anything else, your sympathy alone will provide comfort to the sorrowful. Behold the one who laughs, only to find tears await him, contrasting with the one who mourns and receives comfort. "Blessed are those who mourn," says the Lord, "for they shall be comforted" (Matt. 5:4). Reflect on those who murmur and face judgment; in contrast, observe the thankful—those who find salvation. "Blessed are You, O Lord God," declares the prophet, "praised and glorified be Your name forever. You are righteous in all that You have done for us," and he continues, "You have executed true judgments in all that You have brought upon us" (Dan. 3:26, 27, 28). Some proclaim that "every one who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord," while the faithful assert: "Your pure eyes cannot look upon wickedness" (Hab. 1:13). Those who please strangers find that "those who commit iniquity fare better," but the faithful delight in pleasing God: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalms 143:15), and again, "Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with those who commit iniquity" (Psalms 36:1). Have you observed how the saints encourage one another to remain steadfast amidst trials? Hear Jacob confidently declare: "He will give me bread to eat and clothes to wear" (Gen. 28:20). Note Abraham, who stated: "I will not take even a thread or a sandal strap from you" (Gen. 14:23). Even when his wife's purity was in jeopardy and famine threatened him, he uttered no indecent words. When his son asked: "My father, look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb?" he responded with meekness and foresight: "God will provide Himself a lamb" (Gen. 22:7, 8). Neither human nature nor sympathy swayed him from his conviction based on his son’s words—words that could have inflamed his paternal love. If anyone assumes he did not grieve, he remained separate from all and upheld a noble demeanor. Have you seen those punished for their laughter? Observe those saved through weeping and fasting, reflecting upon the Ninevites. Have you noted the consequences for those who speak ill? Contrast them with those granted blessings: "He who blesses you is blessed, and he who curses you is cursed" (Num. 24:9). "Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:44, 45). Do you perceive the need to neither keep your mouth entirely shut nor perpetually open, but rather to discern the timing for both? The prophet echoes this by saying: "Set, O Lord, a guard for my mouth, and a door for the enclosure of my lips." What is this door if not a mental barrier that holds flames, ready to scorch those who recklessly speak? Establish it as a guardian of conscience, ensuring it opens only when appropriate, delivering tremendous benefits. A wise saying asserts, "Remember your end, and you will not sin indefinitely" (Sir. 7:39). Do you see this thought reflected in the counsel? I have made it more solemn by indicating that it addresses both mortality and eternity. If well heeded, no evil will take root in the soul. Compare this with the admonition that "for every idle word, you shall give account on the day of judgment" (Matt. 12:36). Consider that death originated from the tongue: had Eve not spoken with the serpent, had she not embraced his rhetoric, she would not have suffered loss, nor would she have shared the fruit with her husband, leading to his fall. I do not intend to vilify the tongue and mouth, but rather to denounce their imprudent usage, resulting from a negligent mind. There exists another path to destruction via careless, immoral, deceitful, or flattering speech. A prime example is the kiss of Judas—laden with treachery. In contrast, Paul's greeting commands us to embrace one another with holy affection (2 Cor. 13:12).

The Psalm we have just recited is somewhat enigmatic in various aspects. With the Lord's assistance, as we delve into its meaning and interpretation, you'll discover familiarity in what you hear. The varied expressions are intentionally crafted to alleviate any fatigue that arises from the truth.

"Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hear me," Psalm 140:1. This is a sentiment we all can express, for it is not solely my voice echoing this plea; it is Christ whose voice resounds through all believers. Yet, it is articulated particularly on behalf of the Church, the Body of Christ. For even He, during His earthly ministry, who took on our mortal form, engaged in prayer; and in His fervent supplications, His body perspired blood. As noted in the Gospel: "Jesus prayed earnestly, and His sweat was like great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44). The sweat from His entire frame symbolizes the anguish endured by the martyrs throughout the Church. "Hear the voice of my prayer as I cry out to You." You may believe that the time of weeping has concluded with your declaration, "I have cried unto Thee." You may have shed tears, yet do not presume that you are in safety. If tribulation has ceased, lamentation has also ceased; however, if trials persist for the Church, the Body of Christ, unto the culmination of this age, not only do we declare, "I have cried unto Thee," but we also implore, "Hear the voice of my prayer."

"Let my prayer be before Thy eyes as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice," Psalm 140:2. Every believer recognizes that this is ultimately directed from Christ Himself. As the day was waning, the Lord upon the Cross surrendered His life only to take it up once more (John 10:17), never losing it against His will. Nevertheless, we, too, are represented there. For what hung upon that tree but what He took from us? How can it be that the Father forsakes His only begotten Son, particularly when they are one in essence? Yet, as our frailties were nailed to the Cross, as the Apostle affirms, "our old man was crucified with Him" (Romans 6:6), He uttered the voice of our old selves, "Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" This evening sacrifice represents the Lord's passion, His Cross, and the offering of the redemptive sacrifice, the pleasing burnt offering. This evening offering in His Resurrection brought forth the morning oblation. Prayer, emanating solely from a faithful heart, ascends like incense from the sacred altar. There is no scent more delightful than that of the Lord; may every believer partake in this fragrance.

"Put, O Lord, a guard before my mouth, and a door of restraint round about my lips," Psalm 140:3. He specified a door of restraint—not a barrier. A door may open and close; hence, let it serve both functions: open to the confession of sin, yet closed to justifying it. Thus, it becomes a door of restraint, not of destruction. What purpose does this door of restraint serve us? What does Christ ask in the name of His Body? "May You not turn away My heart to evil words," Psalm 140:4. What is My heart? The heart of My Church, the heart, that is, of My Body.

Yet, when your heart remains steadfast, O member of Christ, when it does not yield to corrupt words or justifications for sin, or join in fellowship with the ungodly, then you shall not be united with their chosen. The text continues: "And I will not be united with their elect." Who are their chosen? Those who justify themselves. Who are their elect? Those who trust in their own righteousness and look down upon others, as the Pharisee proclaimed in the temple, "Lord, I thank Thee that I am not like other men" (Luke 18:11). Who are their chosen? The one who, if he were a prophet, would recognize the woman who touched His feet (Luke 7:39). Here you see the voice of another Pharisee who entertained our Lord in his home, as that sinful woman approached Him in humility.

For even this woman, if her heart had turned to vile words, would have found no grounds for defending her sins. Though there exist others akin to her in unrighteousness, albeit less sincere in their confessions, such as harlots and adulteresses embroiled in shameful acts, they continually attempt to justify themselves. If unseen, they deny their misdeeds; if caught and condemned, or if their shameful acts are widely recognized, they still attempt to defend them. Their defense is insidious, reckless, and blasphemous alike. "Had God not willed it, I would not have done it; it was fate; it was my destiny..." This is the defense of those who are worldly elect. But let Christ, in the voice of His Body, implore, "Turn not away, O my Heart, to evil words, etc., and I will not be united with their elect."

Regarding those who engage in wickedness: what kinds of evil are present? Let me highlight some of their wrongful practices. They assert it is better to be a lender than a farmer. If you inquire as to why, they have their reasons... Those who cultivate the land to feed the hungry are deemed nuisances by members of Christ, as are those who gather fruit from the trees. To evade imaginary offenses on the farm, they commit genuine wrongs through usury. They fail to share bread with the needy. Can there be a greater unrighteousness than their so-called righteousness? They do not provide sustenance to the hungry. When questioned about their reluctance, they reply, "Lest the beggar partake of the essence contained in the bread," which they regard as a member of God’s creation. And yet, how do you partake of it? Are you not also flesh? Indeed, they claim, "We, enlightened through belief and our prayers, have chosen to purify the bread, and send it to the heavenly treasury." Such are their elect—that it is not God, but 'saviors' who rescue them. They declare that Christ is crucified throughout the universe. “I have accepted Christ the Savior in the Gospel; you, in your literature, are the 'saviors' of Christ.” It is evident they blaspheme Christ and cannot be saved by Him. Henceforth, no morsel should reach the hungry man, lest a member of Christ suffer in that crumb. Should the hungry man perish from hunger? Their misguided compassion for crumbs leads to the authentic murder of the soul.

"But the righteous shall correct me with mercy, and reprove me," Psalm 140:5. Here is a penitent sinner. He seeks corrective mercy, not deceptive praise... The righteous will rebuke, but in love; they will point out faults without hatred, and indeed, they will rebuke precisely because they harbor no animosity. "For rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee" (Proverbs 9:8). The righteous man will correct me. Is it due to his persecution of you? God forbid. Rather, correction is needed from one who is not embittered. For what is the purpose of this correction? It is mercy. And He will judge me. In what manner? In mercy. "For the oil of the sinner shall not enrich my head." My thoughts shall not be inflated by flattery. The undue praise of a flatterer is akin to the oil of a sinner. Thus, when individuals mock others under the guise of praise, they often say, "I have anointed his head." Rejoice in the righteous judgment of mercy rather than in mockeries of the sinful. Let there be a good oil within you; do not pursue the oil of the ungodly.

You might ask, "What am I to do?" I am besieged by deceivers; persistent in their flattery, they extol in me traits I disdain; they criticize what is dear to me—flatterers, cunning deceivers. For instance, Gaiusius stands as a learned and wise Christian, yet why is he a Christian? Because of the depth of his knowledge and wisdom. If his wisdom is so great, let it affirm his Christian identity; otherwise, he simply prefers being learned. In truth, when you criticize an action, it is likely enjoyed by the one who is honored by your words. But this praise is hollow—an oil for the sinner. However, he will cease to express this. Let such individuals not swell your pride; avoid indulging in such accolades. If you refrain from these, when they apply their flattering oil to you, your head will remain unaffected—humble and free from arrogance.

"For My word shall yet be favorable to them." Wait for what? Now they revile Me, says Christ. In the early days of the faith, Christians faced denunciation from all sides. Yet wait. "My word shall yet be pleasing to them." The day will come when they shall admit their errors, beating their breasts and imploring, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Even now, how many feel shame as they confess their sins? Let them heap accusations upon us; let us endure their hatred and scorn. While they malign and belittle, my word shall be to their benefit; a time will come when my words resonate favorably.

Oh, the distortion of iniquity! Indeed, entire nations proclaim it, and their clamor fills the air as they beat their breasts, not holding back. Righteousness thunders above, where God resides. Where now is the arrogance that cries out, "I am righteous; I have done nothing wrong?" Indeed, as one contemplates the law of righteousness in the Scriptures, no matter how far one ventures, one inevitably encounters sin...

Whom do I speak of, brethren? I refer to one who worships the singular God, who acknowledges Christ, who recognizes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one. He does not engage in immorality; he does not venerate idols; he does not seek aid from the devil; he remains steadfast to the Holy Church; none whisper of treachery against him; no feeble neighbor suffers under his influence; he does not covet another’s spouse but is content with his own or even without one, as lawful and apostolic discipline permits (1 Cor 7:5), or in the absence of matrimony. Yet even he wrestles with the sins I have mentioned. Despite these daily transgressions, we retain hope, provided we voice the Lord’s prayer with humility, confessing our faults, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12), with Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, advocating for us before the Father, serving as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:1-2).

Consider what follows: "Their judges were swallowed up at the rock," Psalm 140:6. What is consumed alongside the Rock? That Rock is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). They were engulfed by the Rock. Remarkably, in contrast, as judges, whether scholars or potentates, they are characterized as "their judges," presuming to speak of morals and passing judgment. Aristotle may have declared this, yet place him in proximity to the Rock, and he is devoured. Who is Aristotle? Let him hear, says Christ, and tremble among the dead. Pythagoras philosophized, Plato articulated; bring them to the Rock, measure their insights against the Gospel's authority, juxtapose the prideful against the Crucified. Communicate to them, “You inscribe Your words upon the hearts of the arrogant; You have raised Your Cross upon the hearts of rulers; ultimately, He yielded to death and resurrected; yet you still lie in the gravestone of your arrogance.” Thus, their judges are consumed by the Rock. As long as their statements appear relevant, they falter in comparison to the Rock's truths. If any among them proclaims a truth also spoken by Christ, we commend him but do not yield to his voice. For it is in Christ that we ought to find our wisdom, not in a derelict imitation of the Truth.

Understanding the significance of controlling one’s speech, he seeks divine assistance to empower him to restrain his words.

Dear brethren, we must consistently be prepared to engage in prayer, for it is a profoundly significant act that reaches God Himself. When prayer is offered sincerely, it opens the gates of heaven, allowing it to enter without hindrance. Neither angels nor any adversarial forces can impede its progress when it seeks to commune with the Lord and receive the answers to its petitions. Therefore, let us cherish prayer and dedicate ourselves to its practice both day and night. We ought to pray without ceasing. It was through prayer that Jonah was delivered from the depths of the sea, and prayer saved Daniel from the lions' den, as well as Ananias and his companions from the fiery furnace. Every prayer offered brings forth triumph. From the generous heart of God, we are granted the fulfillment of our requests, and He willingly shares His gifts with those who are devoted to prayer. The Lord takes delight in our desires and is pleased with our offerings; thus, when we ask in faith, He is eager to grant our requests. Observe how the prophet’s prayer turns towards God, spoken with assurance as he boldly proclaims: "Preserve me, O Lord, as the apple of Your eye; in the shadow of Your wings protect me from destruction" (Psalm 16:8). I implore You, O Lord of heavens and earth, keep me as the apple of Your eye. Shield, O Lord, every one who trusts in You, enveloping them as the apple of Your eye. The Creator has designed the eye with two protective barriers to prevent harm, for it illuminates the entire body. He has also placed two doors over the apple of His eye, concealing it beneath the depths. Behind these protective barriers dwells His beloved maiden, hidden away securely. The Creator has given the eye two means of safeguarding: one to allow in light and the other to keep out darkness. With eyelids, He covers the eye so that anything threatening may be blocked, ensuring clarity of vision. That is why the prophet prays earnestly: "Preserve me, O Lord, as the apple of Your eye." Be the guardian of the eye, that it may not gaze upon anything sinful. Be a protector of the ear, that it may not hear anything harmful. Be a custodian of the mouth and tongue, that my heart may not stray into deceit, nor may I engage in wrongful deeds. The eye becomes deceptive when it ventures towards impure sights; the ear is culpable if it listens to malice. When the eye covets what does not belong to it, it adulterates its spirit before God. The eye is meant to behold the wonders of God, to evoke awe, and lead it into the heart's realm. The ear, if it pays heed to jestful songs and idle chatter, becomes tainted since such frivolities corrupt its purity. The Creator intended for it to listen to His word, to be enriched, and to impart the life-giving doctrine to the heart. Remain steadfast in prayer and do not falter. Request your guardians to uphold the doorways of your body. Guard diligently the seven gateways, for through them thieves may enter to plunder the treasures of your soul. Allow not death to lurk at your thresholds, nor let it breach your sanctuaries; for it will take residence within you and mar the image of God that dwells therein. The entrances of your mind are sealed with the Holy Spirit; with the anointing, all your members are marked. The King has inscribed His letter upon you with fiery seals to prevent strangers from tampering with it. Do not break the King’s seal, lest invaders infiltrate and your soul be laid waste. In his Revelation, John beheld a remarkable book sealed with seven seals (Rev. 5:1); no one in heaven or on earth could unravel its meaning except for the Son of God, who authored and secured it. This book symbolizes the soul inscribed within the kingdom; apart from its Author, no one comprehends its essence. No eye can perceive, no ear can hear, and no heart can conceive the depths of what lies within the soul. The kingdom is inscribed in the soul, prepared as an inheritance, to be brought forth upon the return of the Heir to the Kingdom. When the King arrives in His glory, flanked by the hosts of earth and heaven, the wise virgins, whom He has espoused, will be ready and rise to greet Him, having kept their vows and now entering the wedding feast. Conversely, those who have forsaken their purity will be cast into darkness. The bridegroom will take from them the dowry granted to them, affirming that the Kingdom exists within us: "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). For with the Son of God residing in you, His kingdom permeates your very being. Witness the treasures of heaven that lie within you, if you but seek them out. Enquire within, and diligently you shall find them without toil. Abandon the paths of distraction, the treacherous ways of lust, and the wastelands of selfishness and wicked company. Enter into yourself, dwell within your spirit’s sanctuary, and there seek the Kingdom as our Savior taught. If it is not yet found in you, beseech the Lord as Christ instructed: “Our Father, Thy kingdom come,” and it shall materialize at your invocation. The kingdom belongs within you; the perils of Gehenna lie outside. Outside awaits death, with sin as its entrance. Evil deeds lead to torment and separation. Do not venture out toward that which is external; preserve your soul from destruction. Do not explore foreign paths, lest you be utterly lost. Guard the portals of your body, lest intruders bind you and cast you into darkness. Shut tight the doors of your members, for captors might draw you away from the Kingdom into everlasting punishment. Enter within, reside in your heart, for God waits there. He does not depart from you; rather, it is you who turn away from Him. With great contrition and sighs, implore God in your prayers to defend the gateways of your flesh. Seek a guardian for your eye, that it may not gaze upon lustful sights, transmitting those desires to the heart and severing it from the Kingdom. Request a protector for your ear, that it may not entertain wickedness nor permit distractions that draw the heart away from the Lord. Ask for a guardian for your mouth and tongue, that they may not speak deceit or engage in unrighteousness. Seek guardians to safeguard your heart and members so that no evil may infiltrate and no good may be expelled. As long as the heart remains good, God abides within it, serving as a fountain of life, from which benevolence flows. Yet when it turns away from God and engages in sin, it becomes a source of death, for evil originates from it. The heart, being the dwelling place of God, must be protected from malevolent intrusions, or God may depart from it. This truth is wondrous, dear brethren; it is marvelous, beloved ones, beyond comprehension and articulation. He who is beyond reach dwells within the heart; He who remains concealed from celestial beings inhabits that sacred space. The earth cannot contain His groans, yet the pure heart embraces Him. Heaven is too small to encompass even a fragment of Him, yet the heart becomes His resting place. He encompasses the heavens with merely a handful, and the heart, though modest, serves as His residence. Should He extend His presence, all creation would not suffice to hold Him; yet if the heart seeks Him earnestly, even a small heart may accommodate Him. He chooses to dwell within a humble space, making man a temple of God where He resides and abides. The soul is His sanctuary, while the heart stands as a holy altar, on which praise, glory, and sacrifices are laid; the Spirit stands as the priest, working tirelessly within. Therefore, do not permit vile sin to enter in, lest the Holy Spirit be driven away. You have been fashioned as a temple of God; shall you be agitated by impure thoughts? Your heart is a holy altar; can unclean pursuits reside there? The Holy Spirit operates within you; shall sin find shelter in your heart, and should the stench of iniquity replace the fragrance of holiness? Allow no filth to corrupt you nor sinful lust to defile the sacred altar. Allow no evil to enter that would expel the Holy Spirit from you. Paul, through whom Christ spoke, expressed with grief, “Do you not know, brethren, that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God (that is, his soul), God will destroy him” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) because he has ravaged the temple of his soul. Guard your soul diligently; it is the temple of God. Keep your heart sacred, for it is a holy altar. Seek your guardians to protect the living temple of God, that no unclean desires may invade, causing offense to the Holy Spirit. Behold the treasure nestled within your heart. Appoint a watchman to safeguard your entrance, lest thieves pillage you and wicked individuals seize your soul. If you fail to care for your soul, neglecting its guardianship, then unclean spirits and robbers will breach its defenses and lead to its utter ruin. You diligently protect your possessions, which are not ultimately yours, yet neglect your soul, your true inheritance. You place watchmen over your vineyards, oil gardens, and fields, yet leave God’s property undefended. People ensure the safety of transitory possessions, but the soul, the most precious gift from God, is plundered without anyone caring or mourning its loss. You shake out your fine garments to keep them safe from moths, yet the sins that gnaw at your soul are left untouched. You seek out filthy insects in your attire, while your heart swells with vices that you allow to thrive. You remove pests from your hair but remain unaware that thieves freely enter through the seven gateways of your head. When a crack appears in your home, you seal it to prevent any intrusion; yet your soul, besieged by sinful moths, remains neglected. The evil one roams amongst us, disturbing our senses and reasoning; thus all wander into arid wilderness unwillingly. Some consider how to shield their livestock, yet they overlook the need to defend their spirits against malice. They guard their homes from intruders, while unaware that robbers infiltrate their souls. Deceivers steal their vitality, severing their connection to God, their Creator. They preserve their clothing, safeguarding them from moths; yet in the meantime, they engage in vile deeds that corrupt them even more than the pestilence itself. They hide their treasures to protect against theft, while lust takes their wisdom, rendering them slaves to unwelcome desires. They cleanse the exterior but hide inside vile corruptions, refusing to purify themselves. They ensure no speck falls upon their clothing, but their souls wallow in filth as if they are swine freshly emerged from a fetid pit. Some focus on adorning their bodies with beauty, but their souls brim with decay, lacking any desire for renewal. Some apply fragrances to their skin, hoping to delight others, while their sins stink like decomposing corpses left unburied. The soul of another may resemble the odor of a dead man confined within a tomb; thus, they concoct balms to mask their impurities. If a man did not exude repugnance, he would not seek out incense at all. Yet, since sin has besmirched us, he attempts to cover himself with sweet aromas. Grant us understanding, O Lord, and impart to us knowledge. Bestow upon us, O Lord, the fragrance that surpasses incense and perfumes. Enable us, O Lord, to love You and despise worldly desires. Grant us, our Lord, to choose You over ephemeral possessions. Fulfill in us, O Lord, a longing to present tears as our sacred offering. Help us, O Lord, to maintain three perfumed censers for You. Let us ignite three brightly burning lamps for You—spirit, soul, and body—as a tribute to the Holy Trinity. We shall dedicate the spirit to the Father, the soul to the Son, and the body to the Holy Spirit, who will resurrect it from mortality. Father, sanctify our spirit. Son, sanctify our soul! Holy Spirit, sanctify our frail bodies, which are sullied by defilements. Grant us, O Lord, to find joy in You. May You also take delight in us on the Day of Judgment.

Death and life reside in the power of the tongue (see Proverbs 18:21). Furthermore, it is stated, "Verily I say unto you, that for every idle word which ye speak ye shall receive recompense in the day of judgement" (see Matthew 12:36). Thus, the prophet's wish is that every spoken word be purposeful, holy, and pleasing to God. He prays for a "door of enclosure to my lips," seeking a protective barrier akin to a wall surrounding a house, ensuring that nothing can overcome it. Jeremiah warns, "Death cometh in through your windows" (Jeremiah 9:21). We can identify five windows: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. If I gaze upon a woman with desire, I have already sinned against her in my heart. Death has entered through my sight.

Exercise caution with your speech. As noted in Sirach 28:29 and Psalm 140:3, alongside James 3:2-3, guard your words diligently to avoid being driven to voice anger or retaliate with insults. You have recently been reminded: "Be angry, and do not sin" (Psalm 4:5; Ephesians 4:26). While experiencing anger is a natural emotional response beyond our control, we must refrain from allowing our mouths to speak ill or commit sin. Maintain control over your speech, ensuring it reflects humility and moderation, allowing your tongue to be guided by reason. Let your words be bound by the reins of discretion and weighed with justice, lest they lose their significance and power.

The Almighty has provided the tongue with two barriers: the teeth and the lips, helping to curb its impulsive impulses. However, the Prophet seeks an additional safeguard, so that in moments of fury, he might refrain from uttering anything inappropriate. The accounts show that while being pursued by Saul, David was careful not to speak blasphemy. When others plotted against Saul's life, David referred to him as 'the anointed of the Lord' and identified himself as his servant. He also executed the man who reported Saul's death, taking pride in his actions by proclaiming, "Your blood is on your own head" for claiming, "I have killed the anointed of the Lord" (2 Sam. 1:16).

O Lord, place a watch over my lips and a safeguard around my mouth. For it is evident that the mouth can lead to numerous evils when it is left unchecked, enabling one to speak thoughtlessly whatever passes through the mind. Conversely, the mouth can bring forth countless blessings when it is handled with care and protected by an individual. King David, therefore, implores God for assistance in guiding the tongue, echoing the sentiments of the divine Chrysostom, who asserts that imprudent speech can lead to countless misfortunes, while careful speech can yield many blessings.

St. David illustrates the strength and sovereignty of human volition when he petitions, 'incline my heart to do Thy statutes' (Psalms 118:112), or, 'keep my tongue from evil, and my mouth from deceitful words' (Psalms 33:14). He expresses a desire for divine guidance when he prays, 'incline my heart to Thy revelations, and not to covetousness' (Psalms 118:36), and similarly asks, 'set my heart, O Lord, on Thy statutes' (Psalms 118:36). His plea, 'set, O Lord, a guard over my mouth, and fence the doors of my lips' (Psalms 140:3), reflects his awareness of human frailty.

Deceit, falsehoods, and defamation are universally condemned and shunned in accordance with the natural law inscribed in human hearts, particularly when these sins are brought to light. However, it is not unusual for individuals to cloak their lies and slanders in a deceptive semblance of truth. This stark inconsistency in human nature reveals a profound degradation when one permits in themselves the very faults they denounce in others. Against the undeniable witness of their own conscience, akin to recognizing moral filth, they further corrupt and pollute their inner selves. If a person can descend to such depths, then one who believes they possess a 'righteous mouth' (Proverbs 16:13) must exercise discernment and prudence in guarding their speech (Psalm 140:3). There exist subtle departures from the truth that may initially go unnoticed but can lead one astray.

This represents the second appeal in which he implores God to grant him the ability to speak wisely and to hold his tongue when necessary, for the one who refrains from speaking wrongly is indeed a perfect person (James 3:2). There is an appointed time for words and a designated time for silence (Eccl. 3:7). To illustrate this concept more vividly, the Prophet uses the imagery of guarding the entrances of a city or home, emphasizing the need for both a door and a doorkeeper. A door left unguarded may either remain completely open or closed at all times. Conversely, a doorkeeper without a door cannot effectively defend against intruders unless he vigilantly watches for those who might enter or exit unwittingly.