Psalms 101:2

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. I WILL BEHAVE MYSELF WISELY IN A PERFECT WAY. The history (), by an undesigned coincidence which verifies the genuineness of both passages, uses almost the same words of David's behaviour - "David behaved himself wisely in all his ways." To 'behave wisely' is the result of meditating upon the testimonies of the Lord (), and stands in contrast to the sinful stupidity of the godless (Psalms 14:1). David sets forth his own practice, or at least aim. [The Hebrew letter he (h), in the future, implies effort]. "Perfect" or "upright" is a favourite word of David's ...

2_I will behave myself prudently in a perfect way _David here shows that he carefully considered how weighty a charge was laid upon him when he was made king. We know, and it is a truth taught us by experience, that almost all kings are intoxicated with the splendors of royalty; and the proverb was not used without foundation in ancient times, “A king must be born either a king or a fool.” It is indeed a mistake to say that kings are born fools. Men were led to speak in this manner, because it commonly happens that those who are invested with the government of kingdoms and empires are fools and blockheads. And surely it is a remarkable instance of the vengeance of God, that beasts, and such as are altogether unworthy to be numbered among men, commonly possess the highest authority. But although kings are not born fools, yet they are so blinded by their dignity, that they think themselves...

Verse Psalms 101:2. _I WILL BEHAVE MYSELF WISELY_] God's law prescribes a perfect way of life; in this perfect way I have professed to walk, and I must act _wisely_ in order to walk in it. _WHEN WILT THOU COME UNTO ME?_] I can neither walk in this way, nor grow _wise_ unto salvation, unless _thou come unto me_ by thy grace and Spirit; for without thee I can do nothing. _I WILL WALK WITHIN MY HOUSE_] It is easier for most men to walk with a perfect heart in the _Church_, or even in the _world_, than in their _own families_. How many are as meek as lambs among _others_, when at _home_ they are _wasps_ or _tigers_! The man who, in the midst of family provocations, maintains a Christian character, _being_ _meek, gentle_, and _long-suffering_ to his _wife_, his...

I WILL BEHAVE MYSELF WISELY - In the choice of principles to guide me; in my conduct in my family; in my official relations. This expresses a “desire” to act wisely, and a “purpose” to do it. IN A PERFECT WAY - In accordance with the perfect rules of right. I will make these my guide. I will “aim” to be perfect; I will have before me a perfect standard. O WHEN WILT THOU COME UNTO ME? - Perhaps this would be better rendered, “When thou dost come unto me;” that is, When then dost visit me and my dwelling, thou shalt find that these are the principles which regulate and govern me in my house. The idea is that God would come to visit his habitation, and inspect his conduct; and that whenever this should occur, however often it might be, or however unexpectedly he might come, he should “always” find these principles governing him in his family. A man should so live

EXPOSITION Tins psalm describes the rightful conduct and proper principles of action of an Israelite king. It is regarded by some as a portrait of an ideal ruler, dramatically put into his mouth; by others, as an actual address to God by a real ruler, making profession of his intentions, and asking God to aid him (Psalms 101:2). The "title" of the psalm, both in the Hebrew and the Septuagint, which ascribes it to David, favours the latter view. Ewald and De Wette, who maintain the Davidical authorship, note the simplicity, depth, and concentration of the thought as wholly worthy of the reputed writer. Metrically, the psalm divides itself into two stanzas, each of four verses. In the first stanza (Psalms 101:1) the writer declares the principles on which he intends to act in his priv

I WILL BEHAVE MYSELF WISELY IN A PERFECT WAY, e.] So David did before he came to the throne, which made Saul fear him, and the people love him, 1 Samuel 18:14 and so he resolved to do, and did afterwards and thus it becomes all good men, in every station of life, to do: and then do they behave wisely, when they walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time; when they make the perfect law of liberty, the word of God, the rule of their faith; take Christ for their pattern and example, and the Spirit for their guide; when they walk as becomes the Gospel of Christ; seek the glory of God, and the good of others; behave inoffensively to all, and live as pilgrims and strangers here; attending closely to their duty, walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless: and yet it is certain that no man lives without sin, or does or can behave himself wisely in so "perfect a...

Psalms 101:1. The last Psalm was a Hymn of Thanksgiving, this one is a Psalm of Thanksgiving. I suppose it to have been written by David just when he assumed the throne, when he was about to become king over all Israel and Judah. Its title is, «A Psalm of David.» This is what he said to himself, Psalms 101:1. _I will sing_ That is right, David. In the one hundredth Psalm, he had exhorted other people to sing, now, in the hundred and first, he declares what he will himself do: «I will sing» Psalms 101:1. _Of mercy and judgment:_ It is a mingled theme; there are the treble and the bass notes: «mercy and judgment.» There are some dear friends who, if they sing at all wil

PSALM 101-106 Psalms 101 The Righteous King Speaketh _ 1. The character of the King (Psalms 101:1)_ 2. His righteous demands of His subjects (Psalms 101:4) A Psalm of David. He speaks as king concerning himself and those in his kingdom. But it is evident that once more he speaks as a prophet concerning the true King, the Son, whom God had promised through him, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is a King of perfect righteousness, which David was not. This true King is in complete fellowship with Jehovah, for He is one with Him. He will not tolerate evil in His kingdom of righteousness. The proud and wicked are not suffered by Him. He will destroy early (morning by morning) the wicked out of

CI. THE IDEAL RULER. The main purport is clear. The ideal ruler is faithful to the high standard which he sets before himself (Psalms 101:2_ b_ - Psalms 101:4). He requires (Psalms 101:5) the same strict observance from others. The crux of the Ps. is 1, 2_ a_. Mercy and judgment, unless another meaning is suggested by the context, would refer to the Divine mercy and justice, but of this the Psalmist makes no mention. The question, moreover, When wilt thou come unto me? is puzzling. The ruler seems to have no special difficulty or distress such as the question implies. Perhaps the introduction belonged to another Ps. and was prefixed to the didactic poem which follows in order to fit the Ps. for liturgical use.

PERFECT. blameless. WHEN, &C.: i.e. as king shalt Thou come....