“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.  Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you” (Psalm 32:9).

Who is the speaker?  God seems to be he speaker.  However, some think that  the speaker may be David, who is teaching others.

Who is addressed?  This may be addressed, specifically, to David.  However, it may be addressed to man, in general (cf. Psalm 51:12-13). 

What is the context?  David had experienced great distress in his life because of his sin (Psalm 32:4).  He confessed his sin before God and was forgiven (Psalm 32:1-2, 5 cf. Proverbs 28:13; Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7, 9).  David summed things up by saying, “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him” (Psalm 32:10).

What is the point about bits and bridles?  (v. 9-10).  Some animals must be made to comply with their master’s wishes. A bit is the mouthpiece, and the bridle is the headgear used to govern and control an equine. We should not be like such animals.  One writer commented, “Do not be like the horse and the mule who resist being led.  Because of their stubbornness they have to be forced into submission.  Consequently, when one refuses to be taught by God and guided by His holy word, he is no better than the brute beast of the field.  Two great classes of men are here pictured.  The first, …are those who are in rebellion…  The later, the humble in spirit, are those ever willing to submit and obey” (Tom Wacaster, The Songs and Devotions of David, Vol 2, p. 103). 

Application for us: May we willingly serve the LORD. It is the “meek” who will be blessed (Matthew 5:3).  Meekness may be thought of as strength under control.  We should willingly be under the control of the LORD.