Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land ; i.e. "my favour shall be shown to them; I will give them help and encouragement." That they may dwell with me; i.e. "frequent my court," either as officials or as simple courtiers. He that walketh in a perfect way (see the comment on Psalms 101:2 ). He shall serve me; i.e. "shall be promoted to office under my government." read more
The encouragement of the upright. "Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land." Such only would the king seek for; such only would he gather to his court. I. THE UPRIGHT ARE ALWAYS WANTED . Men of probity and integrity are ever being sought for. For all service character is the supreme fitness. If it seems otherwise, and we find isolated instances in which the unprincipled seem to prosper, let us think of the thousand cases in which character even triumphs over ability,... read more
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house. It is the duty of a king to see, not only that his own ways are blameless, but that his entire household is well ordered, and consists of righteous persons (comp. Job 1:5 ). "Deceit" here means "wickedness" generally. He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight; literally, shall not be established; i.e. shall not keep his position in my court, but be banished from it. "Lying" is one of the sins which the psalmists denounce... read more
The sin of the untruthful. "He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight." There is no sin that is more difficult to deal with, when once it has become established. Many children are untruthful because they have vivid imaginations, and though their words match what they see, what they see does not strictly accord with the actual facts. These cases require the most careful and judicious treatment at the hands of parents and teachers, if the child habit is not to develop into a confirmed... read more
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land ... - I will look to them to be employed in my house, and in my service. The word rendered “faithful” means those who are worthy of belief or confidence. It does not “necessarily” mean those who are pious or religious - though it is often used to denote such persons, in reference to the principal trait in the character of the pious, that is, confidence or faith in God. The essential meaning here is, that he would seek those who were trustworthy;... read more
He that worketh deceit - The man who is dishonest - who is full of tricks, false pretences, and devices - who cannot be confided in as straight-forward and sincere - one whose word cannot be relied on - one whose course is subterranean or serpentine.Shall not dwell within my house - Shall neither be employed in my service, nor be admitted as a guest and companion. I will not, in any way, patronise or countenance such a person.He that telleth lies - In any way: by stating what is false; by... read more
Psalms 101:5-6. Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour Such as by secret and false informations, and accusations of others, seek to gain my favour, and to advance themselves by the ruin of others; him will I cut off From my family and court. Him that hath a high look, &c. Those who think highly of themselves, and look down with contempt upon others, or treat them with insolence; or, whose insatiable covetousness and ambition make them study their own advancement more than the public... read more
Psalms 101:7. He that worketh deceit That uses any frauds or subtle artifice to deceive, abuse, or wrong any of my people; shall not dwell within my house Though he may insinuate himself into my family, yet, as soon as he is discovered, he shall be turned out of it. He that telleth lies Either to defend and excuse the guilty, or to betray the innocent; shall not tarry in my sight I will certainly and immediately banish him from my presence. read more
Psalms 101:0 Principles of governmentDavid here sets out the principles he sought to follow in his government of Israel. In view of the high ideals outlined here, it is not surprising that people such as Joab, Ahithophel and Absalom found David a hindrance to the success of their devious plans and selfish ambitions.The chief concerns of David are loyalty to God and justice to his people. In his personal life he is determined to be strictly honest, pure in thoughts and actions, and... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8
The ideal of a royal life; or, David's mirror of a monarch. I. HIS PERSONAL LIFE . 1 . He sought the union of loving kindness and right in his own character. ( Psalms 101:1 .) As a Divine union found in the King of kings, and therefore the subject of his song. 2 . He would seek to follow the perfect way with or by means of a perfect heart. ( Psalms 101:2 .) He would give earnest heed to whatever was right, and pursue it with an undivided heart. 3 . He would... read more