Psalm 101

Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by David.)

A King and His Promises

¹I will sing to you, Lord!
I will celebrate your kindness
    and your justice.
²Please help me learn
    to do the right thing,
and I will be honest and fair
    in my own kingdom.

³I refuse to be corrupt
or to take part
in anything crooked,
⁴and I won't be dishonest
or deceitful.

⁵Anyone who spreads gossip
will be silenced;
no one who is conceited
will be my friend.

⁶I will find trustworthy people
to serve as my advisors;
only an honest person
will serve as an official.

⁷No one who cheats or lies
will have a position
    in my royal court.
⁸Each morning I will silence
    any lawbreakers I find
in the countryside
    or in the city of the Lord.