I will sing of loyalty and of justice;
to you, O Lord, I will sing.
I will study the way that is blameless.
When shall I attain it?
I will walk with integrity of heart
within my house;
I will not set before my eyes
anything that is base.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.
Perverseness of heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.
One who secretly slanders a neighbor
I will destroy.
A haughty look and an arrogant heart
I will not tolerate.
I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,
so that they may live with me;
whoever walks in the way that is blameless
shall minister to me.
No one who practices deceit
shall remain in my house;
no one who utters lies
shall continue in my presence.
Morning by morning I will destroy
all the wicked in the land,
cutting off all evildoers
from the city of the Lord.

Questions

1. Many of the royal psalms offer prayer for the king’s might and wisdom. Today, offer a prayer for those who are in charge of our country, state, city, courts, schools, or churches.

2. The royal psalms speak of power, but it is different from the corrupted power we see in our world. What clues do the psalmists give to help us distinguish between God’s power and human power?

3. This week’s psalms include examples of petitions to God and thanksgiving for gifts received from God. Try to find a balance of praise, thanksgiving, and requests as you interact with people today.

4. Psalmists praise God’s mighty power and strength, but also God’s gentle protection and steadfast presence. What attributes of God do you read in today’s psalm? What attributes of God do you need to focus on in your life today?