For the first time since Psalm 86, we have arrived at another psalm of David. There will be more to come. But here in Psalm 101, writing as the anointed king of Israel, David lifts up the standards by which he intends to run his kingdom, and he commits himself to those standards. We know that he failed to completely live up to these high standards. We also know that we are all sinners and fail to live up to whatever moral standards we profess. Still, for the majority of his reign, David did fairly well, and the standards themselves are of lasting value. So what kind of leaders do we need in the government, in the workplace, or in the church? Psalm 101 tells us. A summary answer is found in the first verse: we need leaders who reflect the “steadfast love and justice” of the LORD. For anyone who is called to manage other people, these two qualities must be held in balance. “Steadfast love” refers to grace and mercy, which are necessary so that “justice” does not become too harsh. On the other hand, justice cannot be entirely lacking, or our love becomes indulgent and permissive, which is also harmful. Good leaders insist on upright conduct and model it themselves. Yet they are understanding of human weakness and sin. How thankful we should be that God Himself is merciful and does not treat us as our sins deserve (v 1). If we hope to please the LORD in how we live or lead, it is also vital that we “ponder the way that is blameless” and “walk with integrity of heart.” The only way to maintain a pure life is to have a pure heart. And godliness begins in the privacy of our own homes, where we are out of the public eye, but constantly visible to God. Alone with our screens, temptation beckons; but let us not choose to set “worthless” things before our eyes! Of course, David’s words are tragically ironic, for it was at home that David committed his most grievous sin, poisoning his whole kingdom (v 2-3a). Having affirmed the positive virtues he wants to pursue, David then lists a number of negative vices that he firmly rejects. He desires a government that is free of corruption, so he will not surround himself with people who have turned away from God’s path. He will not tolerate slander, arrogance, or dishonest politics. Instead, he will seek justice in the land and oppose evil wherever it surfaces, including his own administration. Faithless individuals will be driven out of all positions of influence, power, and authority (v 3b-8). Though David sadly failed to live up to these wonderful ideals, happily the last word is with David’s Son, King Jesus, who does not and cannot fail! For further meditation: