Determination and dedication characterize this psalm as David says “I will” nine times and “shall” six times. He wanted a perfect (blameless) heart (v. 2), not a perverse (twisted) heart (v. 4) or a proud heart (v. 5). To be “perfect” before the Lord does not mean to be sinless; it means to be sincere and without pretense. John called it “walking in the light” (1 John 1:5–10).
David wanted justice in the land and the city (v. 8), just as we do today. But civic righteousness must begin in the heart and in the home (vv. 2, 7). Yes, we need honest people enforcing just laws, but we also need godly people living holy lives, starting at home.
We must be careful what we look at (v. 3) and listen to (v. 5), and with whom we fellowship (vv. 6–7). In a world full of illusion, we must avoid lies and must walk in God’s wisdom (vv. 7, 2). Unlike David, we do not have authority to execute judgment on the wicked. But if our hearts and homes are what God wants them to be, our influence will be felt in the city and the nation.
“Strength of character may be acquired at work, but beauty of character is learned at home. There the affections are trained. There the gentle life reaches us, the true heaven life. In one word, the family circle is the supreme conductor of Christianity.”
