A Psalm of David.

This psalm was probably composed when David assumed the government of his kingdom, and contains his holy resolutions, (1.) To make God’s mercies and judgments the connected matter of his song; and to walk circumspectly before his family, through the assisting presence of God, ver. 1-2. (2.) To purge his family and kingdom; discouraging and punishing persons mischievous, wicked slanderers, liars, and deceitful workers; and encouraging the pious, ver. 3-8.

While I sing, let me remember my faults, and in the strength of the grace that is in Christ Jesus, form the like holy resolutions.

1 I mercy will and judgment sing,
Lord, I will sing to thee.
2 With wisdom in a perfect way
shall my behavior be.

O when, in kindness unto me,
wilt thou be pleased to come?
I with a perfect heart will walk
within my house at home.

3 I will endure no wicked thing
before mine eyes to be:
I hate their work that turn aside,
it shall not cleave to me.

4 A stubborn and a froward heart
depart quite from me shall;
A person giv’n to wickedness
I will not know at all.

5 I’ll cut him off that slandereth
his neighbor privily:
The haughty heart I will not bear,
nor him that looketh high.

6 Upon the faithful of the land
mine eyes shall be, that they
May dwell with me: he shall me serve
that walks in perfect way.

7 Who of deceit a worker is
in my house shall not dwell;
And in my presence shall he not
remain that lies doth tell.

8 Yea, all the wicked of the land
early destroy will I;
All from God’s city to cut off
that work iniquity.