Psalm 101:3-4

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:3

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes; or, no base thing (Revised Version); "no villainous thing" (Cheyne, Kay); comp. Deuteronomy 15:9 . I will set before me nothing of this kind, "as an object either of imitation or of attainment." I hate the work of them that turn aside; literally, the doing of acts that swerve ; i.e. "that depart from the right way." It shall not cleave to me. If such a thing "seized on him unawares, he would shake it off as a thing accursed" (Kay);... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:3

Wicked things. I. WE CANNOT HELP SEEING WICKED THINGS , BUT WE ARE NOT TO SET THEM BEFORE OUR EYES . That is: 1 . He will not think of them. They may be where he cannot but see them; but he will turn away his eyes from them, and his thoughts likewise. 2 . He will not sympathize with or desire them. They have a fatal attraction, and appeal to our nature where it is most susceptible of temptation. 3 . He will not strive after them. However... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:4

A froward heart shall depart from me ; i.e. I will put away from me all perversity of heart; I will root it out and rid myself of it. I will not know a wicked person. This is a possible meaning, but it is better to translate, with our Revisers, "I will know no evil thing. " The "principles of private conduct" may be summed up under the four heads of read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:4

The feeling of pious souls concerning self-will. "A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person." The idea in the word "froward" is "twisted,", or "perverse." The idea in the word "wicked" is "wilful," "self-willed," "lawlessness." "What David, therefore, disclaims is the reckless self-will, acknowledging no law of right, which is the temptation of despotic royalty, and was hereafter the secret of his own great sin." I. PIOUS SOULS SEE SELF - WILL AS ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 101:3

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes - That is, I will propose no wicked thing to be done; I will have no such object in view; I will employ no one to do that which is wrong. The margin, as the Hebrew, is, “thing of Belial.” See the notes at Psalms 41:8. It here means that which is worthless, bad, wicked. He would have no wicked aim; he would not look upon a wicked thing for a moment, or with the least favor.I hate the work of them that turn aside - All their doings, motives, plans. The... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 101:4

A froward heart shall depart from me - The word here rendered froward means perverse, false, deceitful, depraved. See the notes at Psalms 18:26. The “idea” here is that of one who is inclined to evil; who has some wrong passion or inclination to indulge; who has an obstinate and perverse will; who does not listen to reason or the voice of wise persuasion; who will do wrong, despite all the means which may be employed to induce him to do right. The language may either refer to the author of the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 101:3-4

Psalms 101:3-4. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes Namely, to look upon it with approbation, or design to practise, countenance, or tolerate it. If any ungodly or unjust thing be suggested to me, whatsoever specious pretences it may be covered with, as some reason of state or worldly advantage, I will cast it out of my mind and thoughts with abhorrence, so far will I be from putting it in execution. I hate the work of them that turn aside From God, and from his laws. It shall... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 101:3

wicked thing = thing of Belial. hate = have always hated. the work: i.e. the doings, or business. read more

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