Psalm 101:3-4

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 101:3

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

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:4

A froward heart - Rash and headstrong men shall not be employed by me. I will not know a wicked person - I will give no countenance to sinners of any kind; and whatever is evil shall be an object of my abhorrence. 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:4

Verse 4 4The perverse heart shall depart from me Some by perverse heart understand perfidious men; but this I reject as a sense too forced, and it is moreover inconsistent with the context. As David has added in the second clause by way of exposition, I will not know evil, he doubtless in the first protests that he will be free from all perfidiousness and wickedness. The amount is, that he will do his endeavor to keep himself from all wrong-doing, and that he will not even know what it is to do... 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

Group of Brands