Psalm 101: Live a Life of Integrity

Introduction: Psalm 101, penned by King David, is a psalm of inspiration and commitment. It encapsulates David’s promise to lead a life of integrity and righteousness, both as a leader and as a follower of God. This psalm is a personal, intimate pledge of an individual to walk in the path of justice and righteousness, and to live in the fear of God. The Psalmist’s determination to lead an upright life, his abhorrence of wickedness, and his commitment to serving God are all themes that will be explored throughout the outline.

I. Psalm 101:1-2 – David’s Commitment to Praise and Righteousness
Firstly, David commits himself to praising God for His loving kindness and justice (Psalm 101:1). He then vows to behave wisely and lead a life of integrity (Psalm 101:2). He echoes this commitment in Psalm 26:11, where David pledges himself to live with integrity. In 1 Kings 9:4, God urges Solomon to walk in integrity as David did. Proverbs 20:7 lauds the man who leads a blameless life, showing that David’s commitment aligns with other biblical teachings.

II. Psalm 101:3-4 – Avoidance of Wickedness
David goes on to promise that he will avoid wickedness (Psalm 101:3-4). He vows not to set anything wicked before his eyes, a sentiment echoed in Proverbs 4:25 that instructs us to look straight ahead and fix our eyes on what is pure. He also affirms that he will not involve himself with deceitful people or entertain a wicked heart, underscoring the significance of good companionship – a principle seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33.

III. Psalm 101:5-6 – David’s Attitude Towards Evil and Good
In Psalm 101:5-6, David expresses his intolerance for slanderers and his intention to surround himself with the faithful (Psalm 101:6). This mirrors Proverbs 20:19 that warns against associating with habitual gossipers and Ephesians 4:29 that urges us to speak only what is helpful for building others up.

IV. Psalm 101:7-8 – David’s Stand Against Iniquity
David concludes Psalm 101 by stating that no one who practices deceit will dwell in his house and every morning, he will silence all wickedness in the land (Psalm 101:7-8). This further emphasizes his commitment to eradicating evil and promoting integrity, a theme resonating with Proverbs 12:20 that condemns deceit and praises those who promote peace.

Conclusion: Psalm 101 are verses that underscores the importance of righteous living and integrity, and how God sees wickedness and evil. It paints a vivid picture of David’s commitment to upholding and promoting God’s standards of justice and righteousness, and his intolerance for wickedness and deceit. This psalm serves as a template for Christian living, reminding us of the importance of cleaving to what is good and righteous while shunning all forms of evil and wickedness. It inspires us to make a personal commitment to live with integrity and righteousness, just as David did.