My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great matters or things too lofty for me. My heart is not proudThe Hebrew word for "heart" is "לֵב" (lev), which often signifies the inner self, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. In ancient Hebrew culture, the heart was seen as the center of one's being, the seat of intellect and emotion. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, begins with a declaration of humility. The word "proud" translates from "גָּבַהּ" (gavah), meaning high or exalted. This phrase reflects a conscious decision to reject arrogance and self-exaltation, aligning with the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble ( James 4:6). In a world where status and self-promotion were as prevalent as today, this statement is a profound commitment to humility before God. O LORD
The term "LORD" is the English representation of the Tetragrammaton, "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people. By addressing God with this name, the psalmist acknowledges a personal and reverent relationship with the Creator, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over all aspects of life. This invocation sets the tone for the psalm, emphasizing submission and reverence. my eyes are not haughty
The phrase "my eyes are not haughty" uses the Hebrew "רָמוּ" (ramu), meaning lifted up or exalted. In biblical literature, the eyes often symbolize one's perspective or attitude. Haughty eyes are indicative of pride and arrogance, looking down on others. The psalmist's declaration is a commitment to humility in how he views himself in relation to others and to God. This humility is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God values a contrite and lowly spirit (Isaiah 57:15). I do not aspire to great things
The Hebrew word for "aspire" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to walk or to go. In this context, it implies pursuing or striving after something. "Great things" translates from "גָּדוֹל" (gadol), meaning large or important. The psalmist expresses contentment with his position and role, avoiding the pursuit of personal ambition that leads to pride. This reflects a trust in God's plan and timing, reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God. or matters too lofty for me
The word "lofty" comes from "פָּלָא" (pala), meaning wonderful or extraordinary. The psalmist acknowledges the limitations of human understanding and ability, choosing not to concern himself with things beyond his grasp. This humility is a recognition of God's omniscience and omnipotence, trusting that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is an invitation to rest in God's wisdom and sovereignty, rather than being burdened by the pursuit of things beyond our control. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David was the second king of Israel, known for his humility and reliance on God despite his royal status. 2. IsraelThe nation to whom the psalm is addressed, representing the collective people of God who are called to humility and trust in the Lord. 3. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, Jerusalem is often the setting for David's psalms, symbolizing the spiritual center of Israel. Teaching Points Humility Before GodRecognize that true humility involves acknowledging our limitations and dependence on God, as David exemplifies by not aspiring to matters too lofty. Guarding Against PrideBe vigilant in examining our hearts for pride and haughtiness, understanding that these attitudes can distance us from God. Contentment in Our CallingEmbrace the roles and responsibilities God has given us without striving for positions or tasks beyond His calling for us. Trust in God's SovereigntyTrust that God knows what is best for us, and rest in His plans rather than our own ambitions. Cultivating a Childlike FaithApproach God with the simplicity and trust of a child, as David models in his relationship with the Lord. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's expression of humility in Psalm 131:1 challenge our modern understanding of success and ambition? 2. In what ways can we identify and combat pride in our own lives, using David's example as a guide? 3. How does the concept of humility in Psalm 131:1 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our aspirations align with God's will rather than our own desires? 5. How can we cultivate a heart that is content and trusting in God's sovereignty, as demonstrated by David in this psalm? Connections to Other Scriptures Philippians 2:3-4This passage encourages believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than themselves, echoing the humility expressed in Psalm 131:1. Proverbs 16:18This verse warns that pride goes before destruction, reinforcing the psalm's theme of avoiding pride and haughtiness. Matthew 18:4Jesus teaches that whoever humbles themselves like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, aligning with the humble posture David describes. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Ascents, Concern, David, Degrees, Difficult, Exercise, Gt, Haughty, Heart, Involve, Isn't, Lifted, Lofty, Lt, Marvelous, Matters, Myself, O, Occupy, Over-hard, Pride, Proud, Raised, Song, Undertakings, Walked, WonderfulDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 131:1 5017 heart, renewal
5961 superiority
8803 pride, evil of Psalm 131: 7963 song Psalm 131:1-2 5721 mothers, a symbol
8328 quietness Psalm 131:1-3 5058 rest, spiritual Library The Duty of Self-Denial.
"Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child."--Psalm cxxxi. 2. Self-denial of some kind or other is involved, as is evident, in the very notion of renewal and holy obedience. To change our hearts is to learn to love things which we do not naturally love--to unlearn the love of this world; but this involves, of course, a thwarting of our natural wishes and tastes. To be righteous and obedient implies self-command; but to …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIIPrayer for Humility. --Ps. cxxxi.
Prayer for Humility.--Ps. cxxxi. Lord, for ever at Thy side, Let my place and portion be; Strip me of the robe of pride, Clothe me with humility. Meekly may my soul receive All Thy Spirit hath reveal'd, Thou hast spoken;--I believe Though the prophecy were seal'd. Quiet as a weanèd child, Weanèd from the mother's breast, By no subtlety beguiled, On thy faithful word I rest. Saints! rejoicing evermore, In the Lord Jehovah trust; Him in all his ways adore, Wise, and wonderful, and …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Lord, for ever at Thy Side
[1176]Seymour: Arr. from Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) Psalm 131 James Montgomery, 1822 DOXOLOGY Lord, for ever at thy side Let my place and portion be: Strip me of the robe of pride, Clothe me with humility. Meekly may my soul receive, All thy Spirit hath revealed; Thou hast spoken; I believe, Though the oracle be sealed. Humble as a little child, Weanèd from the mother's breast, By no subtleties beguiled, On thy faithful word I rest. Israel now and evermore, In the Lord Jehovah trust; …
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA Children and Childlike Men
'And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.' --Mark x. 13-15. It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Continued.
In addition to the psalms already considered, which are devoted to the devout contemplation of nature, and stand in close connection with David's early days, there still remains one universally admitted to be his. The twenty-ninth psalm, like both the preceding, has to do with the glory of God as revealed in the heavens, and with earth only as the recipient of skyey influences; but while these breathed the profoundest tranquillity, as they watched the silent splendour of the sun, and the peace of …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
The divisions of the chapter are,--I. The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires two things, viz., that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely to the service of God; whence it follows, that we must seek not our own things, but the things of God, sec. 1, 2. II. A description of this renovation or Christian life taken from the Epistle to Titus, and accurately explained under certain special heads, sec. 3 to end. 1. ALTHOUGH the Law of God contains …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 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 Links Psalm 131:1 NIVPsalm 131:1 NLTPsalm 131:1 ESVPsalm 131:1 NASBPsalm 131:1 KJV
Psalm 131:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
