Summer in the Psalms 

Psalm 101 August 24, 2025 

We’re spending the summer in the Book of Psalms.  Psalms is the Bible's largest and most diverse book.  It is also the most-read book in the Bible and the most quoted by Jesus and the apostles. The Psalms remind us that God is willing and able to meet our needs, and they call us to praise the Lord through adoration and thanksgiving.  Today, we’re going to examine Psalm 101.   

What do we know about Psalm 101? 

• It was written by King David and is classified as a Royal Psalm (2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 132, 144).   

• It is a declaration of principles (promises to God), by which David intended to rule.  

The prophet Samuel anointed David King of Israel when he was a teenager (15-19 years old) to reveal David’s calling and destiny (1 Samuel 16:13).  After Saul’s death, David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4).  Seven years later, when he was thirty years old, David was anointed king over all the tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).  So, David had many years to think about what kind of king he should be and develop the declaration we see in Psalm 101. 

• David’s strategy for living a life of integrity can be applied by every government leader, parent, and manager. 

How is Psalm 101 divided up? 

In Vs. 1-4, David vowed to serve God. 

“I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.  I will praise you with songs.  I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me?  I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.  I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.  I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.  I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.” (Ps 101:1–4, NLT)  

1st - David vowed to remember God’s love and justice.  Vs. 1 

As he sat down on the throne, David knew he had to appreciate God’s faithful love and justice to promote love and justice in His kingdom.  The crucifixion of Jesus is a powerful illustration of the harmony of God’s love and justice.  God loved us so much that He sacrificed His Son to pay our sin debt.  He demonstrated His love for us by providing a way for us to be reconciled to Him.   

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.  Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”  (Romans 5:6–8, NLT)  

*For more on God’s love and justice, and how He expects us to emulate Him, check out Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness in Matthew 18:15-35. 

2nd – David vowed to live a life of integrity.  Vs. 2 

As David came into power, he understood that he had to make wise decisions and behave godly to do what the Lord wanted him to do. 

“So be careful how you live.  Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.  Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.  Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit…”  (Ephesians 5:15-18, NLT)  

*Note, David knew that he could not lead a life of integrity on his own.  He needed the Lord’s help to live a godly life.  David also knew that he needed to lead well at home to lead well at work.  Great leaders behave the same at home and work.        

3rd – David vowed to stay away from evil.  Vs. 3-4 

David knew his eyes were the doorway to his mind, so he determined to control what he looked at.  If you want to live a life of integrity, you must make a covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1).  You must choose not to look at vile and vulgar things or put vile, perverse ideas into your mind.  

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”  (Philippians 4:8, NLT) 

In Vs. 5-8, David vowed to stay away from people who are not serving God.   

“I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.  I will not endure conceit and pride.  I will search for faithful people to be my companions.  Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.  I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.  My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.”  (Psalm 101:5–8, NLT)  

1st – David vowed not to spend time with prideful, gossiping liars.  Vs. 5 

Christians are to speak the truth and deal truthfully with all people (Eph 4:17-25).  So, it makes no sense to spend time with prideful, gossiping liars.  We should spend time with honest, faithful people who love God and the truth found in His Word. 

2nd – David vowed to promote the faithful and remove the wicked in his kingdom.  Vs. 6-8 

David evaluated people daily.  He listened to their words and observed their behavior, then decided whether they would help or hurt his life.  Those faithful to God and him were pulled closer, but the wicked were pushed away from him.   

In Psalm 101, David declares how he intends to lead his household and govern his kingdom.  His strategy to serve God and stop wickedness applies to all who have power.  So, learn from David how to be a godly leader if you are a parent, politician, or boss.