Psalm 101: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 101 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist commits to sing of Yahweh's loving kindness and justice (vv. 1-2). He expresses a desire to live a blameless life and wonders when Yahweh will come to him. He declares he will walk in his house with a blameless heart.

Key verse

“I will be careful to live a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.”
Psalms 101:2 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 101:1–2 Commitment to Praise and Integrity
Psalm 101:3–4 Rejecting Wickedness
Psalm 101:5–6 Silencing the Proud and Seeking the Faithful
Psalm 101:7–8 Cleansing the Land of Evil

Discussion questions

In v1, what qualities does the psalmist choose to sing about?
What does the psalmist declare about the 'vile thing' in v3?
The phrase 'blameless heart' in v2: how does this relate to the psalmist's personal integrity?
In v5, why does the psalmist mention silencing 'whoever secretly slanders'?
When have you chosen to avoid 'evil' as mentioned in v4 in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 101: Psalm 119, Psalm 15, Joshua 24.

Before next time: read Psalm 102.