Psalm 19:14 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD , my strength, and my redeemer.
World English Bible (WEB)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.
What Psalm 19:14 Means
This verse ends a psalm that moves from the glory of creation to the beauty of God's law and finally to a personal prayer. The psalmist asks that both his spoken words and his hidden thoughts, called the meditation of the heart, would be acceptable to God. The word acceptable carries the sense of being pleasing or welcome, as a sacrifice might be received. The two titles that follow explain why the request is made with confidence. In KJV he is called strength and redeemer, and in the WEB he is called rock and redeemer, since the Hebrew word for rock suggests a place of safety. The verse is often spoken before sermons or speeches, which fits it well, but it is broader than public speaking. It covers inner life as well as outward speech.
Context of Psalm 19:14
Psalm 19 is attributed in its heading to David, the king of Israel who lived around 1000 BC, though the heading's meaning has been debated. The first part, verses 1 to 6, praises God through the sky and sun. The second part, verses 7 to 13, praises the law of the LORD and asks for forgiveness of hidden faults. This closing verse sums up the whole prayer in one sentence. To read the whole book, see random verse from Psalms.
How to Apply Psalm 19:14
Before an important conversation, or before you post something when you are upset, try praying this verse in your own words. Ask for words that help instead of harm. Notice that the prayer also covers your private thoughts, so it can be a gentle checkpoint for the mood you carry through the day.
Related Verses
- Psalm 141:3 – Set a watch, O LORD , before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
- Proverbs 4:23 – Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
- Matthew 12:34 – O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
- Colossians 4:6 – Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Prayer, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the meditation of my heart mean in Psalm 19:14?
It refers to the thoughts and inner reflections a person turns over privately. The psalmist asks that not only his speech but also his hidden thinking would please God. In biblical language the heart is the center of thought, will and emotion, so the phrase covers a person's inner life.
Why is Psalm 19:14 prayed before sermons?
Preachers often use it because it asks God to shape both what is said and what is meant. The verse is not only about preaching, but it expresses humility and dependence on God, which suits anyone about to speak to others, whether in a pulpit, a classroom or a family room.
Want a different verse? Try the Bible verse randomizer or browse all popular Bible verses.