Psalm 101 is the first of ten psalms that appear to stand together as a group. The section is framed by two kingly psalms–Psalm 101 and Psalm 110. Psalm 101, only eight verses long, is one of my favorites. (Although it has eight verses, it contains seven couplets or parallel thoughts; see the text divisions below, noting that verses 1-4 contain 3 parallels.)
The psalm is a commitment to imitate God’s righteous rule in daily living. It has special meaning in ministry as a guide and reminder to treat people right. As a royal psalm it has special application to church leaders, but is a helpful guide to daily Christian living for every Christian. The church that gets this psalm right takes a major step forward in effective evangelism, fellowship, and ministry.
Think about how powerful it would be if every church leader and every Christian carefully lived out the commitments of this psalm. Thoughtfully, carefully, prayerfully read the psalm. Then go back and pray the psalm, applying each thought and concept to your own life, and asking God to purify, change, and strengthen your life in each area.
Consider using this psalm as a prayer guide each day this week (seven sections) or possibly as a guide for the month.
1 I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?I will conduct the affairs of my house
with a blameless heart.
3 I will not look with approval
on anything that is vile.I hate what faithless people do;
I will have no part in it.
4 The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with what is evil.
5 Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
I will put to silence;
whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart,
I will not tolerate.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
the one whose walk is blameless
will minister to me.
7 No one who practices deceit
will dwell in my house;
no one who speaks falsely
will stand in my presence.
8 Every morning I will put to silence
all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
from the city of the Lord.