Psalm 101:1-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8

David here cuts out to himself and others a pattern both of a good magistrate and a good master of a family; and, if these were careful to discharge the duty of their place, it would contribute very much to a universal reformation. Observe, I. The chosen subject of the psalm (Ps. 101:1): I will sing of mercy and judgment, that is, 1. Of God's mercy and judgment, and then it looks back upon the dispensations of Providence concerning David since he was first anointed to be king, during which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:1

I will sing of mercy and judgment ,.... Either of mercy and justice, exercised by him towards his people, which he resolved to do, and did, 2 Samuel 8:15 which are two very principal points in government, are the glory of a reign, the support of the throne, and the happiness of a people, Proverbs 20:28 , or rather of the mercy of God to himself, in delivering him from his enemies, and raising him to the throne; and of the judgment of God in maintaining his cause, and avenging him on... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:2

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way , So David did before he came to the throne, which made Saul fear him, and the people love him, 1 Samuel 18:14 and so he resolved to do, and did afterwards; and thus it becomes all good men, in every station of life, to do: and then do they behave wisely, when they walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time; when they make the perfect law of liberty, the word of God, the rule of their faith; take Christ for their pattern... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:3

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes , Either the eyes of the body, which are the inlets of lust and are easily caught with objects that inflame the heart, and should be turned aside from beholding vanity; or the eyes of the mind; so the Targum, "I will not propose to my heart;' or, as Kimchi, "in my thought', that is, I will not set up an evil thing in my imagination, to dwell upon in my thoughts, and take delight and pleasure in meditating upon it; or set it before me, to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:4

A froward heart shall depart from me ,.... A man of a froward heart, that devises frowardness in his heart, and speaks it out with his mouth; that which is perverse, and contrary to the law of God and Gospel of Christ, to the light of nature and the word of God; contrary to the sentiments of all good men, and repugnant to truth and good manners: such sort of persons are disagreeable companions, and good men would not choose to have anything to do with them; they are hateful to Christ, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off ,.... That raises and spreads a false report of him; that insinuates evil things of him; that brings false charges and accusations against him, in a private manner, when he has no opportunity to defend himself: such an one David threatens to cut off from his presence, as Kimchi interprets it; from all communion and conversation with him; and yet he listened to the slanders of Ziba against Mephibosheth: but Christ, who knows the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:6

Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land ,.... To look them out, bring them to court, and promote them to places of honour and trust; such an one was David himself, and such there were in the land of Israel, though but few, and of which he complains, Psalm 12:1 . Christ's eyes are upon faithful persons, on faithful ministers of the word, who preach the Gospel faithfully, administer the ordinances truly, are faithful to the souls of men in watching over them, reproving and exhorting... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:1

I will sing of mercy and judgment - David might say, Adverse and prosperous providences have been of the utmost use to my soul; therefore, I will thank God for both. Or, as he was probably now called to the government of all the tribes, he might make a resolution that he would show חסד chesed , incessant benevolence, to the upright; and משפט mishpat , the execution of judgment, to the wicked; and would make the conduct of God the model of his own. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:2

I will behave myself wisely - God's law prescribes a perfect way of life; in this perfect way I have professed to walk, and I must act wisely in order to walk in it. When wilt thou come unto me? - I can neither walk in this way, nor grow wise unto salvation, unless thou come unto me by thy grace and Spirit; for without thee I can do nothing. I will walk within my house - It is easier for most men to walk with a perfect heart in the Church, or even in the world, than in their own... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:3

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes - I will undertake no unjust wars; will enter into no sinful alliances; will not oppress my subjects by excessive taxation, to support extravagance in my court. I will not look favourably on things or words of Belial. What is good for nothing or evil in its operation, what is wicked in its principle, and what would lead me away from righteousness and truth, I will never set before my eyes. Them that turn aside - I shall particularly abominate... read more

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