Psalm 101 – Integrity
Psalm 101 – integrity, speaks of the way of integrity and integrity of heart. But what does it mean to be a person of integrity?
Psalm 101 – NASB
The superscript for Psalm 101 is simply, “a Psalm of David.” In it, David shares his views about how rulers should conduct themselves.
“In Europe the psalm came to be known as the ‘prince’s psalm,’ owing to the concern for the proper conduct of a Christian magistrate, prince, or king.” (Willem VanGemeren)
“I was startled to find that Martin Luther had done an exposition of the psalm that ran to eighty pages. The reason, I discovered, is that he was deeply concerned about civil government and wanted to expound the psalm as a listing of qualities toward which every Christian prince or magistrate should strive.” (James Montgomery Boice) Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 101
It begins with David singing praises to God and his mercy and justice.
“I sing of mercy and justice; to you, Lord, I sing praise.” (1)
He then speaks about how he will behave.
“I study the way of integrity; when will you come to me? I act with integrity of heart within my household.” (2)
In contrast to many leaders, rather than celebrating his win, he focuses on how to rule with wisdom and integrity.
“When David came to royal power, he didn’t say:
- “Now I can live the good life.” He said, I will behave wisely.
- “I’ll have the biggest party ever.” He said, I will behave wisely.
- “I’ll show them all how important I am.” He said, I will behave wisely.
- “I’ll punish my enemies and show my power.” He said, I will behave wisely.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 101
David is not only concerned with ruling the kingdom with integrity, but he also extends this to his homelife.
How to Live a Life of Integrity
David then speaks about what he will do in order to live this life of integrity, avoiding even the sight of anything base, avoiding wrongdoing, and staying clear of the wicked and those with devious hearts.
“I do not allow into my presence anything base. I hate wrongdoing; I will have no part of it.
May the devious heart keep far from me; the wicked I will not acknowledge.
Whoever slanders a neighbor in secret I will reduce to silence. Haughty eyes and arrogant hearts I cannot endure.” (3-5)
The Psalm concludes with a description of those David will enlist under his service, the faithful of the land.
“I look to the faithful of the land to sit at my side. Whoever follows the way of integrity is the one to enter my service.
No one who practices deceit can remain within my house. No one who speaks falsely can last in my presence.
Morning after morning I clear all the wicked from the land, to rid the city of the Lord of all doers of evil.” (6-8)
The Way of Integrity
Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness: the state of being whole and undivided: the condition of being unified, unimpaired, or sound in construction.
In Psalm 101 – integrity, the way of integrity translates as the blameless way or blameless life in some versions (NIV, New Living, English Standard, Berean Standard, NASB).
What is the way of integrity? What are the characteristics of a person of integrity? To me, a person of integrity is someone who walks their talk. They do not speak empty words. They mean what they say and act accordingly. People of integrity take responsibility for their failings, never blaming others. They speak the truth unless to do so would cause harm. Always kind to the least among us, they care for those who are hurting, and extend a helping hand.
They truly are blameless before our God.
Verse 2 in the New King James version reads, “I will behave wisely in a perfect way.”
“David’s longing for the LORD was connected to his desire to live a wise and holy life (perfect way). He determined that his reign would be marked by integrity and godliness.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 101
David did not always live up to his standards. “Yet, we shouldn’t think David was a hypocrite because he failed in completely living up to these high standards. It isn’t hypocrisy to have a standard that you can’t completely meet. Hypocrisy is when you have one standard for yourself and a higher standard for others.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 101
David strived to live a life of integrity, despite his struggles.
Psalm 101 – Integrity
Psalm 101 – integrity, reminds us how not only leaders but all people are to behave. We are all called to live lives of integrity, walking in the ways of our God.
This doesn’t mean we are always successful at this. It does mean that we are actively seeking God’s way.
What about you? How do you define integrity?
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 101: 6 Characteristics of Moral Leaders – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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