Psalms 39:1

I said I fully resolved, &c. “The Psalm,” says Dr. Horne, “begins abruptly with the result of a meditation on the narrow, slippery, and dangerous paths of life; more especially on the extreme difficulty of restraining the tongue, amidst the continual temptations and provocations”

which surround or assault us, to speak unadvisedly with our lips. I will take heed to my ways That is, to order all my actions aright, and particularly to govern my tongue, that if any evil thought or passions arise within me, I may suppress and mortify them, and not suffer them to break forth into sinful reflections on God and his providence. I will keep my mouth as with a bridle With all possible care and diligence. While the wicked is before me In my presence; or in my thoughts, as the phrase is understood, Psalms 51:3, that is, while I consider the flourishing estate of wicked men.