< Psalms 101 >
1 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O YHWH, will I sing.
A psalm of David. I will sing of your faithful love and good judgment. I will sing praises to you, Lord.
2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
I will make sure my life is blameless. When will you come and help me? My life will be one of integrity even in private.
3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
I will not look at anything evil. I hate doing wrong—I won't have anything to do with it.
4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
I won't think bad thoughts—I won't even consider anything evil.
5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
I will silence anyone who secretly slanders their neighbor. I won't tolerate anyone who is proud and arrogant.
6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
I look for faithful people to live with me; only those who are trustworthy will serve me.
7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
No one who is dishonest will live in my house; no liars will be allowed in my presence.
8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of YHWH.
I work every day to silence the wicked in the land, to rid the city of the Lord of all who do evil.