Psalm 101
Psalm 101 is a psalm of David, expressing his personal commitment to living righteously and leading his kingdom with integrity. The psalm highlights his determination to uphold justice, surround himself with faithful people, and remove wickedness from his presence. It reflects David’s desire for a godly life and governance, setting a high moral standard for himself and others.
Psalm 101:1-2 (NKJV)
1 I will sing of mercy and justice;
To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
2 I will behave wisely in a perfect way.
Oh, when will You come to me?
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
David begins by praising God for His mercy and justice, recognizing these attributes as foundations of righteous living. He commits to acting wisely and pursuing a blameless life. His plea, “Oh, when will You come to me?” shows his desire for God’s presence. He emphasizes integrity, starting from his own household, showing that righteousness begins with personal and private life.
Psalm 101:3-4 (NKJV)
3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will not know wickedness.
David makes a vow to avoid anything sinful or corrupt. He expresses disdain for actions that lead people away from God and determines not to let such influences affect him. By rejecting perversity and wickedness, he demonstrates his commitment to purity both in thought and action, avoiding anything that could taint his heart or character.
Psalm 101:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor,
Him I will destroy;
The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart,
Him I will not endure.
6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land,
That they may dwell with me;
He who walks in a perfect way,
He shall serve me.
David declares his intolerance for slander and arrogance, emphasizing that these traits are unacceptable. He commits to surrounding himself with faithful and righteous people, ensuring that only those with integrity will serve alongside him. This reflects his desire to lead a community where godly virtues prevail and only trustworthy individuals hold positions of influence.
Psalm 101:7-8 (NKJV)
7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.
8 Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land,
That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.
David concludes the psalm with a firm commitment to remove deceitful and dishonest people from his household and leadership. He pledges to take swift action against the wicked, ensuring that his reign reflects the holiness of God’s kingdom. By cutting off evildoers, he aims to maintain purity and justice in the city dedicated to the Lord.