Psalms 101:1-7

A psalm of David.

1 I will sing about your love and fairness. Lord, I will sing praise to you.
2 I will be careful to lead a life that is without blame. When will you come and help me? I will lead a life that is without blame in my house.
3 I won't look at anything that is evil. I hate the acts of people who aren't faithful to you. I don't even want people like that around me.
4 I will stay away from those whose hearts are twisted. I don't want to have anything to do with evil.
5 I will get rid of anyone who tells lies about his neighbor in secret. I won't put up with anyone whose eyes and heart are proud.
6 I will look with favor on the faithful people in the land. They will live with me. Those whose lives are without blame will serve me.
7 No one who lies and cheats will live in my house. No one who tells lies will serve me.

Psalms 101:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 101

\\<>\\. The title of this psalm, in the Syriac version, is, ``for Asaph, an exhortation of David, concerning those things which are required in the ministry of the house of the Lord; and a prophecy of the praise of the conqueror, and of the perfect man in God.'' Theodoret thinks it was written by David concerning good Josiah, whom he foresaw, by a spirit of prophecy, would rise up a great reformer of the people, and whom he proposes as a pattern of perfection to others; but it was, no doubt, written by him of himself; very likely, after he was delivered out of his troubles by the death of Saul, and was come to the kingdom, since he resolves to "sing of mercy and judgment": though by the interrogation, "when wilt thou come unto me?" it looks as if he had not arrived to the height of his honour: wherefore, perhaps, this psalm was penned between his being made king over Judah, and his being made king over all the tribes; but, be it as it may, the design of it is to show his resolutions, how he would behave as a king in his court, and as a master in his family; so that it is very instructive to kings and civil magistrates, and to parents and masters of families: and as David was a type of Christ, he seems, throughout the whole, to represent him; and, indeed, there are some things in it which agree with none so well as with him; such as behaving wisely, in a perfect way, and walking in his house with a perfect heart; not suffering any evil thing to cleave unto him, and knowing none, and the like.

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