Psalm 141:5a Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. ESV

This is a prayer of acceptance. It is not an invitation to abuse a brother in the Lord.

These words were uttered by David as submission to his Holy God. These words were a commitment of attitude, a setting his mind right, to secure a good conscience. Because these words are between David and his God, we have no part in it.

There are some who will use these words to become the righteous right hand of the Lord. They do so in error and do so to the harm of others and themselves. A righteous indignation is still an indignation. Indignation is defined as anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment. Would a righteous man strike out in anger?

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Why do men choose to act upon verse 5 with indignation yet ignore the words of verse 3? Why not take the whole counsel of God? Does a vessel dictate to his creator what gets poured into himself? Do we hold mercy and grace close to ourselves because it makes us feel like clean vessels? Or do we pour it out to the benefit of all?

If our attitudes do not match our character, what does that say about our character? If our actions are driven by attitudes, we would do well to have an attitude of submission like David.