◄ Psalm 101:7 ►
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.
Study Bible
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house;
This phrase emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness in the community of believers. In the context of ancient Israel, the "house" can be understood as both the royal palace and the household of God, symbolizing the community of faith. Deceit is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 12:22, which states that "lying lips are an abomination to the Lord." The emphasis on truthfulness reflects God's own nature, as He is described as a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). The exclusion of deceitful individuals from the house aligns with the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence, reminiscent of the purity laws in Leviticus.

no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.
This phrase underscores the severity of lying and its incompatibility with the presence of God. In biblical times, standing in someone's presence, especially a king's, implied a position of favor and trust. The psalmist, likely King David, sets a standard for those who would serve in his court, reflecting God's standards for His people. Revelation 21:8 warns that all liars will face judgment, highlighting the eternal consequences of deceit. This phrase also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the truth (John 14:6), and in whose presence only those purified by His righteousness can stand. The call to honesty and integrity is a reflection of the character of Christ, who embodies truth and calls His followers to live in the light.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 101, David is expressing his commitment to maintaining a righteous household and leadership.

2. Household of David
Represents not only David's personal dwelling but also his kingdom, emphasizing the importance of integrity in leadership.

3. Deceitful and Lying Individuals
Those who practice deceit and falsehood, whom David vows to exclude from his presence and household.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Integrity
As believers, we are called to uphold truth and integrity in our personal lives and communities, just as David committed to doing in his household.

Guarding Our Associations
We should be mindful of the company we keep, ensuring that those we allow into our inner circles are people of truth and integrity.

Leadership and Accountability
Leaders, whether in the church, workplace, or home, have a responsibility to model and enforce standards of honesty and integrity.

The Consequences of Deceit
Understanding that deceit not only damages relationships but also separates us from God's presence should motivate us to pursue truth.

Reflecting God's Character
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's character, which includes being truthful and trustworthy in all our dealings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's commitment to excluding deceitful individuals from his household challenge us in our personal and professional relationships?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our own lives reflect the integrity and truthfulness that David describes in Psalm 101:7?

3. How do the additional scriptures connected to this verse reinforce the importance of truthfulness in the life of a believer?

4. What practical steps can we take to hold ourselves and others accountable to the standard of truthfulness outlined in this Psalm?

5. How can we apply the principles of Psalm 101:7 to our roles as leaders, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 12:22
This verse highlights that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, reinforcing the idea that deceit is unacceptable in God's eyes.

Ephesians 4:25
Paul urges believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully, aligning with David's commitment to truthfulness.

Revelation 21:8
This passage warns that liars will face judgment, underscoring the seriousness of deceit in the eyes of God.
Sermons
The Sin of the UntruthfulR. Tuck Psalm 101:7
Wise Choice of CompanionsA. T. Pierson, D.D.Psalm 101:7
A Song of Mercy and JudgmentW. Arnot.Psalm 101:1-8
Mercy and JudgmentCarus Wilson, M.A.Psalm 101:1-8
Mercy and JudgmentJ. J. Wray.Psalm 101:1-8
Mercy and Judgment a Subject for PraisePsalm 101:1-8
Mercy and Judgment in NatureHugh Macmillan, D. D.Psalm 101:1-8
One Man in Two CharactersHomilistPsalm 101:1-8
The Ideal of a Royal Life; Or, David's Mirror of a MonarchC. Short Psalm 101:1-8
The Psalm of Grave, Sweet MelodyE. A. Thomson.Psalm 101:1-8
The Secret of a Happy LifeS. Conway Psalm 101:1-8
The Twofold SongW. Jay.Psalm 101:1-8
The Twofold Song of the BelieverJ. Burns, D.D.Psalm 101:1-8
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
FALSE, Deceit, Dwell, Dwelleth, Established, Falsehood, Falsehoods, Falsely, Lies, Maintain, Position, Practices, Practiseth, Presence, Sight, Speaketh, Speaking, Speaks, Stand, Subsist, Tarry, Telleth, Utters, Within, Won't, Worker, Worketh, Working
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 101:7

     6606   access to God
     8776   lies

Psalm 101:5-8

     8751   false witness

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

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