Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 101

David’s Pattern for Leadership and Home.In this psalm, David sets a standard for how a good leader and a good head of a family should live. He shows that if rulers and those in charge of homes are careful to do their duty, it will help bring positive change to everyone. David’s words are both a prayer and a promise about how he wants to live with justice and mercy, both as a king and in his own house.v. 1: David begins, I will sing of mercy and judgment . He promises to praise God for both His kindness and His justice. David remembers times when God helped him and also times of trouble, and he will thank God for both. Whether life brings joy or sorrow, we should always give praise to God, knowing that His ways are wise and good.

v. 2: He says, I will ponder the way that is blameless . David makes a commitment to live carefully and honestly, not just in public but also at home. He wants to live with integrity everywhere, even when nobody is watching. He prays for God’s presence in his house and knows that God is with those who try to live right (1 Samuel 18:14 ).

v. 3: David resolves, I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless . He promises not to focus on things that are wrong or evil. He hates actions that go against God’s ways and refuses to let them become part of his life (Isaiah 33:15 ).

v. 4–5: He continues, A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure (Psalm 101:4–5 ). David will not keep company with people who are mean, proud, or who gossip and spread lies. He knows that such people cause trouble, so he will not let them be part of his household or his team (Proverbs 29:12 ).

v. 6: He says, I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me . David wants to surround himself with honest and trustworthy people. He chooses helpers and friends who love what is right and who will set a good example for others.

v. 7: He promises, No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes . David refuses to allow liars or dishonest people to stay close to him. He wants his home and his leadership to be marked by truth, just as God values truth (Revelation 22:15 ).

v. 8: He concludes, Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord