John Trapp on Psalms 39:1

PSAL. XXXIX.

Verſ. 1. I ſaid, I will take heed] He reſolved ſo Pſal. 38.13, 14. ſc. Ejuſdem [illegible: 1 word] eſt hic [illegible: 1 word] cum [illegible: 1 word] Cimch[illegible: 1 letter] no continue as one deaf and dumb, to uſe Iſ[illegible: 2 letters]cks Apology to ſcoffing Iſmael, viz. no Apology, unleſſe it be that which is Reall; for Ʋivendo melius arguuntur obtrectatores, quam loquendo, ſlanderers and railers are beſt anſwered by ſilence.

That I ſin not with my tongue] An hard task, a long leſſon, as Pambus in the Eccleſiaſticall hiſtory, found it by experience; and after many years tryall, could not take it out. For the tongue is an unruly Member: And if any man offend not in word, the ſame is a perfect man, and able alſo to bridle the whole body, Jam. 3.2. David reſolved to temper his tongue, and to keep a bridle or a muzzle for his mouth, whiles he was in extremity of pain, and in the preſence of the Wicked, who lay at the catch, and would ſoon exclaim; but his heart deceived him, for he quickly after brake his word, verſ. 3. and made a raſh requeſt, verſ. 4. ſo great need is there that the beſt pray to God to keep the door, as Pſal. 141.3.