Read Psalms 101 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 101 is a personal covenant of integrity, where the king commits to rule and live under God’s standard of mercy and justice. He resolves to walk in a “perfect way,” guarding his private life as carefully as his public leadership, and refusing anything that feeds wickedness. The psalm emphasizes zero tolerance for deceit, slander, pride, and corrupt companionship, because sin spreads when leaders tolerate it. It also highlights what the righteous leader must honor: faithful people, upright speech, and blameless conduct. The chapter’s aim is clear—godly leadership begins with a disciplined heart, and a clean house must come before a clean city.
Psalms 101:1 - 101:8
1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.
2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me.
4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked [person].
5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
6 Mine eyes [shall be] upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.