This psalm was probably composed when David assumed the government of his kingdom, and contains his holy resolutions, (1.) To make God's mercies and judgments the connected matter of his song; and to walk circumspectly before his family, through the assisting presence of God, ver. 1-2. (2.) To purge his family and kingdom; discouraging and punishing persons mischievous, wicked slanderers, liars, and deceitful workers; and encouraging the pious, ver. 3-8.
While I sing, let me remember my faults, and in the strength of the grace that is in Christ Jesus, form the like holy resolutions.
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.
1 I mercy will and judgment sing,
Lord, I will sing to thee.
2 With wisdom in a perfect way
shall my behaviour be.
O when, in kindness unto me,
wilt thou be pleas'd to come?
I with a perfect heart will walk
within my house at home.
3 I will endure no wicked thing
before mine eyes to be:
I hate their work that turn aside,
it shall not cleave to me.
4 A stubborn and a froward heart
depart quite from me shall;
A person giv'n to wickedness
I will not know at all.
5 I'll cut him off that slandereth
his neighbour privily:
The haughty heart I will not bear,
nor him that looketh high.
6 Upon the faithful of the land
mine eyes shall be, that they
May dwell with me: he shall me serve
that walks in perfect way.
7 Who of deceit a worker is
in my house shall not dwell;
And in my presence shall he not
remain that lies doth tell.
8 Yea, all the wicked of the land
early destroy will I;
All from God's city to cut off
that work iniquity.
Eternal God, under the power of whom, are all they whom thou hast placed rulers and superiors over us: It will please thee so to enlighten the hearts of all judges and magistrates, whom thou hast given us, that without exception of persons, they may maintain the righteous, and punish the wicked: to the intent that under their protection, we may lead a quiet and peaceable life according to the instruction given us, by Jesus Christ thy Son, our only Saviour and Redeemer.