Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown’s Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary (1871)

Psalms 101

Verse 2

PSALM 101

2I 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.

Psa 101:1-8. In this Psalm the profession of the principles of his domestic and political government testifies, as well as actions in accordance with it, David’s appreciation of God’s mercy to him, and His judgment on his enemies: and thus he sings or celebrates God’s dealings. 2. He avows his sincere purpose, by God’s aid, to act uprightly (Ge 17:1; Psa 18:30).

Verse 3

3I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

3. set ... eyes--as an example to be approved and followed. no wicked thing--literally, “word,” plan or purpose of Belial (Psa 41:8). work of ... aside--apostates. not cleave to me--I will not be implicated in it (compare Psa 1:1-3).

Verse 4

4A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

4. A froward heart--or, “perverse heart” (Psa 18:26). Such a temper I will not indulge, nor even know evil or wickedness.

Verses 5–6

5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

6Mine 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.

5-6. The slanderers and haughty persons, so mischievous in society, I will disown; but--

Verse 7

7He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

7. not dwell--literally, “not sit,” or tarry, or be established.

Verse 8

8I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

8. will early--or, “diligently.” city of the Lord--or, “holy place” (Psa 48:2), where wicked men shall not be tolerated.