Psalms 101:1-7

1 My song is about loyalty and justice, and I sing it to you, O Lord.
2 My conduct will be faultless. When will you come to me? I will live a pure life in my house
3 and will never tolerate evil. I hate the actions of those who turn away from God; I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will not be dishonest and will have no dealings with evil.
5 I will get rid of anyone who whispers evil things about someone else; I will not tolerate anyone who is proud and arrogant.
6 I will approve of those who are faithful to God and will let them live in my palace. Those who are completely honest will be allowed to serve me.
7 No liar will live in my palace; no hypocrite will remain in my presence.

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.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. not be dishonest; [or] stay away from dishonest people.
  • [b]. evil; [or] evil people.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.