A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.
David here sets down what kind of king he means to be once God plants him on the throne. To sing of mercy and judgment is to declare solemnly that he will rule with both justice and compassion, not as a tyrant or a fool. This psalm is his meditation and his vow.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 101:1-8
A froward heart shall depart from me. He refers both to himself and to those round about him; he would neither be crooked in heart himself, nor employ persons of evil character in his house; if he found such in his court he would chase them away. He who begins with his own heart begins at the fountain head, and is not likely to tolerate evil compamons.
David paints the picture of a magistrate and householder both rightly ordered. God's dealings mix mercy and judgment like April's rain and sun; we must sing of both, thankful in prosperity and sorrowful times alike, for either way we give Him glory.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 101:1-8