Ps. 101:0 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was composed by David between times of God’s promising the kingdom to him and his actual and plenary possession of it, as appears both from Ps.

Of mercy and judgment; either, 1. Of God towards me: of God’s mercy towards me, and of his just judgments upon mine enemies. Or, 2. Of mine towards my people; I will in my song declare my obligation and full purpose to execute mercy and judgment in my dominion; which are the two pillars of…

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way; I will manage all my affairs with wisdom and integrity; which are two chief qualifications requisite for all men, Matt. 10:16 and most necessary in princes.

Before mine eyes, to wit, to look upon it with deliberation and design, or with desire and delight, as this phrase here and elsewhere implies. If any ungodly or unjust thing shall be suggested to me, whatsoever specious pretences it may be covered with, as reason of state or worldly advantage, I…

A froward heart; a man of a corrupt mind and wicked life, such as other princes choose and prefer, as being suitable to themselves, and to their wicked designs.

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour; such as by secret and false informations and accusations of others seek to gain my favour, and to advance themselves by the ruin of others; which are the common pests of courts and kingdoms.

Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful; either, 1. To find them out. Or, 2. To favour or encourage them, as this phrase is oft used, as Ps. 34:15, Jer. 39:12, Jer. 40:4. The faithful; men of truth, justice, and integrity, who will be faithful, first to God, and then to me and to my people.

He that worketh deceit; he who shall use any frauds, or cheats, or subtle artifices to abuse or wrong any of my people; which David’s courtiers were more likely to endeavour, because he would not permit any open violence.

Early; speedily, and without delay, as soon as I arise in the morning, or as soon as I am seated in the throne, that so I may both prevent all that mischief which otherwise they might do, and hinder the infection of others by their evil example, and discourage and deter all my subjects from the…