Delivering a deep moral and philosophical message about life and death requires a delicate touch. Rather than preaching harshly, the psalmist prepares himself and his audience by wrapping complex truths in poetry, imagery, and music, making them much easier to understand and accept.
He conveys his wisdom through parables and riddles. The parable serves as poetic speech filled with vivid imagery [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It can hint at the teachings of the Torah [רש״י], present a hidden dialogue between the wealthy and the poor, or paint a picture of sheep descending to the grave [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, אלשיך]. It may also act as a physical story about a man saving his brother from death, which actually symbolizes the spiritual rescue of the soul [מלבי״ם]. On the other hand, the riddle represents a sharp, obscure thought [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It carries piercing moral questions, such as why a person should fear the Day of Judgment over minor sins they typically ignore and step on [רש״י]. Because the riddle is closed and hidden, the psalmist promises to open it, fully intending to solve and reveal its deeper meaning [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד].
The primary approach among commentators highlights the humility of the speaker. He does not talk down to the crowds from a place of arrogance. Instead, he inclines his own ear first to hear the rebuke. He listens to the parables of the wise and corrects his own soul before addressing anyone else. By acknowledging that the heavy message applies just as much to himself, his words become deeply honest and convincing [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, אלשיך, מאירי].
Music plays a vital role in delivering this teaching. Beyond the standard use of instruments in song, the specific notes and melody of the harp practically help clarify the hidden meanings and explain the obscure words [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, the harp serves a profound psychological and spiritual purpose. The fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death are painful topics that people naturally avoid. The music brings a sense of joy, which is necessary for the Spirit of God to rest upon the psalmist. This musical joy makes it much easier for both the speaker and the audience to comfortably engage with such difficult subjects [אלשיך].