David
Psalm 101
A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.
2I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
4A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
6Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
7He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tingle in my sight.
8I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.
Summary
Psalm 101 is a royal vow of integrity, attributed to David, in which the king pledges to govern his household and his realm according to the steadfast love and justice of the Lord. The psalm is framed by worship—“I will sing of mercy and judgment”—and unfolds as a series of “I will” commitments: to walk with a perfect heart, to set no worthless thing before his eyes, to reject slander and pride, to welcome the faithful, and to purge wickedness from the city of the Lord. It is both a personal rule of life and a blueprint for godly leadership.
The major themes are integrity, justice, purity, wise leadership, and the fear of the Lord. David’s resolve begins in the private sphere (“within my house”) before it extends to public office, reminding readers that character precedes conduct. Practically, the psalm invites believers to examine what they set before their eyes, whom they welcome as companions, and how their private devotion shapes their public witness. The great lesson is that a heart made perfect before God is the only safe foundation for authority.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 101
Lord of mercy and judgment, tune my heart to sing of Your steadfast love. I resolve to walk within my house with a perfect heart, to set no worthless thing before my eyes, and to hate the work that turns aside from You. Keep me from a froward spirit and from the company of the wicked. Silence slander on my lips and banish pride from my heart. Let my eyes rest on the faithful, that I may dwell with them and serve You among them. Purge deceit from my house and lies from my sight. Rise early to cut off wickedness, and establish Your city in righteousness. Make me a leader of integrity first in private, then in public, for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What “wicked thing” have I been setting before my eyes that needs to be removed?
- 2How does my private conduct at home shape my public witness?
- 3Whom do I welcome as close companions, and do they walk in a perfect way?
- 4How can I lead with both mercy and judgment in my sphere of influence?
Related Psalms
Psalm 1
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
Two paths, two destinies: the righteous rooted like a tree by streams, the wicked blown away like chaff.
Read morePsalm 15
“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?”
The marks of those fit to dwell with God: integrity, truth, and justice.
Read morePsalm 24
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
A processional hymn welcoming the King of glory into His holy place.
Read morePsalm 75
“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”
Thanksgiving that God judges with equity and cuts down the boastful.
Read morePsalm 75
“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”
Thanksgiving that God judges with equity and cuts down the boastful.
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