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Matthew Henry

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 101:2

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

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:2

Verse 2 2I will behave myself prudently in a perfect way David here shows that he carefully considered how weighty a charge was laid upon him when he was made king. We know, and it is a truth taught us by experience, that almost all kings are intoxicated with the splendors of royalty; and the proverb was not used without foundation in ancient times, “A king must be born either a king or a fool.” It is indeed a mistake to say that kings are born fools. Men were led to speak in this manner,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:3

Verse 3 3I will not set a wicked thing before my eyes After having protested, that in leading a private life, he would practice virtue and righteousness, even as it becomes good princes to begin with this, he now adds, that in executing the office of prince, he will be the enemy of all injustice and wickedness. To set a wicked thing before one’s eyes, is equivalent to purposing to do something that is wicked. He therefore declares, that he will turn away from all wickedness; and it is certain,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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