I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. I will set no worthless thing before my eyesI will setThe phrase "I will set" indicates a deliberate and intentional action. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "שִׁית" (shith), which means to place, set, or appoint. This reflects a conscious decision and commitment by the psalmist, King David, to control what he allows into his life. It underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the power of choice in the pursuit of holiness. In a broader biblical context, this decision aligns with the call to be vigilant and discerning, as seen in Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." no worthless thing
The term "worthless thing" is translated from the Hebrew word "בְּלִיַּעַל" (belial), which conveys the idea of something that is base, wicked, or without value. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this term was often associated with idolatry and moral corruption. By rejecting anything "worthless," David is committing to a life of integrity and purity, avoiding influences that could lead him astray. This reflects a broader biblical principle found in Philippians 4:8, which encourages believers to focus on whatever is true, honorable, and pure. before my eyes
The phrase "before my eyes" emphasizes the importance of what we choose to focus on and allow into our minds and hearts. In the Hebrew culture, the eyes were often seen as the gateway to the soul, and what one gazes upon can significantly influence one's thoughts and actions. This is echoed in Matthew 6:22-23, where Jesus teaches about the eye being the lamp of the body. By guarding what is "before my eyes," David is setting a standard for personal holiness and spiritual vigilance, recognizing that what we see can shape who we become. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 101, David is expressing his commitment to personal holiness and integrity as a leader. 2. JerusalemAs the city of David, Jerusalem represents the center of worship and governance, where David's commitment to righteousness would have significant impact. 3. The WickedThose who "fall away" or engage in worthless deeds, representing the moral and spiritual challenges David faces. Teaching Points Guarding Our EyesAs believers, we must be vigilant about what we allow into our minds through our eyes. This includes media, entertainment, and other influences that can lead us away from God. Rejecting WorthlessnessWe are called to discern and reject anything that is spiritually worthless or leads us away from God's truth. This requires active decision-making and commitment. Hating Sin, Not SinnersDavid's hatred is directed towards the "work" of those who fall away, not the individuals themselves. We must learn to separate sin from the sinner, loving people while rejecting sinful actions. Personal IntegrityLike David, we should strive for personal integrity, ensuring that our private lives reflect our public declarations of faith. Influence of LeadershipDavid's commitment as a leader serves as a model for how our personal holiness can influence those around us, especially in positions of leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some "worthless things" in today's culture that we might need to guard against setting before our eyes? 2. How can we practically apply the principle of rejecting worthless things in our daily media consumption? 3. In what ways can we cultivate a hatred for sin while maintaining love and compassion for those who are caught in it? 4. How does guarding our eyes and hearts contribute to our overall spiritual health and integrity? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to reject something worthless. How did that decision impact your walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:29Jesus speaks about the importance of guarding what we set before our eyes, emphasizing the need for purity and righteousness. Philippians 4:8Paul encourages believers to focus on things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy, aligning with David's commitment to avoid worthless things. Proverbs 4:23This verse highlights the importance of guarding one's heart, which is closely related to what we allow ourselves to see and dwell upon. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Adhereth, Anything, Aside, Base, Belial, Cleave, Cling, Crooked, Deeds, Evil, Faithless, Fall, Fasten, Grip, Hate, Hated, Turn, Turning, Vile, Wicked, WorthlessDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 101:3 5149 eyes
5875 hatred Psalm 101:3-5 8744 faithlessness, as disobedience Library Why Should we not Believe These to be Angelic Operations through Dispensation of The...
16. Why should we not believe these to be angelic operations through dispensation of the providence of God, Who maketh good use of both good things and evil, according to the unsearchable depth of His judgments? whether thereby the minds of mortals be instructed, or whether deceived; whether consoled, or whether terrified: according as unto each one there is to be either a showing of mercy, or a taking of vengeance, by Him to Whom, not without a meaning, the Church doth sing "of mercy and of judgment." …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. Epistle xxxii. To Narses the Patrician.
To Narses the Patrician. Gregory to Narses, &c. Your most sweet Charity has said much to me in your letters in praise of my good deeds, to all which I briefly reply, Call me not Noemi, that is beautiful; but call me Mara, that is bitter; for I am full of bitterness (Ruth i. 20). But as to the cause of the presbyters [1555] , which is pending with my brother and fellow-bishop, the most reverend Patriarch John, we have, as I think, for our adversary the very man whom you assert to be desirous of observing …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It.
1. I wish I could explain, with the help of God, wherein union differs from rapture, or from transport, or from flight of the spirit, as they speak, or from a trance, which are all one. [1] I mean, that all these are only different names for that one and the same thing, which is also called ecstasy. [2] It is more excellent than union, the fruits of it are much greater, and its other operations more manifold; for union is uniform in the beginning, the middle, and the end, and is so also interiorly. …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus The Barren Fig-Tree.
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord The King --Continued.
In our last chapter we have seen that the key-note of "The Songs of the King" may be said to be struck in Psalm xviii. Its complete analysis would carry us far beyond our limits. We can but glance at some of the more prominent points of the psalm. The first clause strikes the key-note. "I love Thee, O Jehovah, my strength." That personal attachment to God, which is so characteristic of David's religion, can no longer be pent up in silence, but gushes forth like some imprisoned stream, broad and full …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Of Civil Government.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This chapter consists of two principal heads,--I. General discourse on the necessity, dignity, and use of Civil Government, in opposition to the frantic proceedings of the Anabaptists, sec. 1-3. II. A special exposition of the three leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec. 4-32. The first part treats of the function of Magistrates, whose authority and calling is proved, sec. 4-7. Next, the three Forms of civil government are added, sec. 8. Thirdly, Consideration …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 101:3 NIVPsalm 101:3 NLTPsalm 101:3 ESVPsalm 101:3 NASBPsalm 101:3 KJV
Psalm 101:3 Commentaries
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