Psalm 101:6-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8

Metrically, the psalm divides itself into two stanzas, each of four verses. In the first stanza ( Psalms 101:1-4 ) the writer declares the principles on which he intends to act in his private life. In the second ( Psalms 101:5-8 ) he enunciates those by which he means to be guided in his government of the people. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8

Four features of true piety. The psalmist has before him the fashioning of his future life; he records his purpose of heart as he cherishes it before God. Applying his words, not to his own royal estate with its peculiar obligations, but to the ordinary conditions of human life, we have four features of all genuine piety. I. A FULL , INTELLIGENT GRATITUDE . "I will sing of mercy and of judgment [righteousness]" ( Psalms 101:1 ). We are to cultivate and express ("I will sing ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8

The secret of a happy life. The psalm is evidently one composed on the occasion of the setting up of a new order of things in the home or in the State, or in both, and it tells of the psalmist's holy resolves in regard to himself, and his conduct in his household and amongst men generally. And they are wise resolves. I. THEY CONCERN HIMSELF . ( Psalms 101:2 .) "I wilt behave myself," etc. Here we must begin if our life is to be worthy and happy. Therefore: 1 . The psalmist... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 101:6

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:6

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:7

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:7

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:8

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; literally, each morn will I root out all the wicked of the land; i.e. "day after day I will make it my endeavour, not only to keep my palace free from evil doers, but to cleanse the whole land of them." David is determined to exercise that just severity which is a part of the duty of kings ( Romans 13:4 ), and not to be that curse to a country—a weak and over-indulgent ruler (see Calvin, ad loc. ) . That I may cut off all wicked... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 101:6

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

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