A Life of Integrity
Scripture Reading: Psalm 101(ESV)
1 I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will make music.
2 I will ponder the way that is blameless.
Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart
within my house;
3 I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly
I will destroy.
Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart
I will not endure.
6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he who walks in the way that is blameless
shall minister to me.
7 No one who practices deceit
shall dwell in my house;
no one who utters lies
shall continue before my eyes.
8 Morning by morning I will destroy
all the wicked in the land,
cutting off all the evildoers
from the city of the LORD.beginning.)
Good Morning
Psalm 101 is sometimes called “The Psalm of Integrity” or “The Prince’s Psalm.” David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote this as both a personal vow and a kingly commitment. He declares how he intends to live before God — with integrity in his private life and with justice in his leadership.
This psalm challenges us as well. It asks: Will I live with integrity, even when no one is watching? Will I surround myself with godly influences? Will I keep my house and my heart pure before the Lord?
Integrity Begins with Worship
“I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.”
David begins not with his own promises, but with worship. He sings of God’s steadfast love (His mercy) and justice (His holiness). True integrity is not about human effort alone; it flows from knowing and worshiping God.
- Application: If we want to walk in holiness, it starts with fixing our eyes on who God is. Worship aligns our hearts with His character.
Integrity Must Begin at Home
“I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.”
David pledges to walk blamelessly in his own house. Before he can lead a kingdom, he must be faithful in private. Integrity isn’t just public reputation; it is who we are in the quiet places of life.
- Application: How do we act at home? With our family? When no one sees us but God? A holy life begins behind closed doors.
Guarding the Eyes and the Heart
“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.”
David resolves to keep his eyes from worthless things. He knows what we see, we desire; what we desire, we pursue.
- Application: What do we allow into our minds and hearts — through media, conversations, or habits? The righteous person does not feed on worthless things but delights in God’s truth.
Rejecting Pride and Slander
“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.”
David refuses to tolerate slander or pride. Gossip destroys community; pride separates us from God.
- Application: Are we willing to put away gossip and arrogance in our own lives? Do we distance ourselves from those who tear others down?
Choosing Godly Companions
“I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me.”
David commits to surround himself with people who are faithful and blameless. He knows that the company he keeps will shape his life and his reign.
- Application: Who influences us most? Do our closest friends encourage us in the faith, or pull us away from God?
Rejecting Deceit
“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.”
David will not tolerate dishonesty in his home or in his leadership. Truth matters to God because He Himself is Truth.
- Application: As followers of Christ, we must put away falsehood, speak truth, and live transparently before God and others.
Daily Commitment to Holiness
“Morning by morning I will destroy all the wicked in the land, cutting off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.”
David resolves to make holiness a daily pursuit — “morning by morning.” Walking with God isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily discipline.
- Application: Do we wake each morning with a resolve to walk faithfully with God? Holiness is built one day at a time.
In Closing
Psalm 101 is both a personal vow and a public declaration. David teaches us that:
- Integrity begins with worship.
- Integrity begins at home.
- We must guard our eyes and hearts.
- We must reject pride, gossip, and deceit.
- We must choose faithful companions.
- Holiness is a daily commitment.
This psalm is a challenge to every believer: Will I live with integrity before God, both in public and in private?
Closing Prayer
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your steadfast love and Your perfect justice. Teach us to walk in integrity, not only in public but in the private places of our lives. Guard our eyes from worthless things, our lips from deceit, and our hearts from pride. Help us surround ourselves with faithful companions who will encourage us in Your ways. And Lord, remind us each morning to walk blamelessly before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”