Psalm 101 is a king’s resolution to rule with integrity: “Mercy and judgment I will sing to thee, O Lord… I walked in the innocence of my heart, in the midst of my house.” It has been called a “mirror for princes,” and it is a good examination of conscience for parents, leaders and anyone responsible for others. In the Douay-Rheims it is numbered Psalm 100. Below is the full Catholic text, what the psalm means, how the Church uses it, and a prayer.
Psalm 101 in the Douay-Rheims Bible
A psalm for David himself. Mercy and judgment I will sing to thee, O Lord: I will sing,
And I will understand in the unspotted way, when thou shalt come to me. I walked in the innocence of my heart, in the midst of my house.
I did not set before my eyes any unjust thing: I hated the workers of iniquities.
The perverse heart did not cleave to me: and the malignant, that turned aside from me, I would not know.
The man that in private detracted his neighbour, him did I persecute. With him that had a proud eye, and an unsatiable heart, I would not eat.
My eyes were upon the faithful of the earth, to sit with me: the man that walked in the perfect way, he served me.
He that worketh pride shall not dwell in the midst of my house: he that speaketh unjust things did not prosper before my eyes.
In the morning I put to death all the wicked of the land: that I might cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of the Lord.
Psalm 101 or Psalm 100?
The Douay-Rheims Bible follows the numbering of the Latin Vulgate and the Greek Septuagint, while most modern Bibles follow the Hebrew. So the Douay’s Psalm 100 is Psalm 101 in the New American Bible and other modern translations. In Latin the psalm begins Misericordiam et iudicium cantabo tibi, Domine. See how many psalms are there?
What the psalm means
- Mercy and justice: the two qualities of good leadership.
- Integrity at home: holiness begins “in the midst of my house.”
- Guarding the eyes: “I did not set before my eyes any unjust thing.”
- No slander or pride: the king rejects detractors and the proud.
- Choosing good companions: “My eyes were upon the faithful of the earth, to sit with me.”
How the Church uses Psalm 101
- In the Liturgy of the Hours, at Morning Prayer. See Lauds.
- For parents and leaders, as a resolution to walk with integrity. See the Catholic prayer for family.
A prayer with Psalm 101
Written for this page:
Lord, I will sing of your mercy and justice.
Help me walk with integrity of heart within my own home.
Keep my eyes from what is evil and my tongue from slander;
surround me with faithful friends, and make me a just servant of others. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
What is Psalm 101 about?
A king’s promise to live and rule with integrity, rejecting evil, pride and slander, and choosing faithful companions.
Why is Psalm 101 called a “mirror for princes”?
Because it sets out the virtues of a good ruler, and has long been read by kings and leaders as a guide.
More psalms and prayers
Texts and sources
- Scripture: Psalm 100 (101), Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain.
- The prayer was written for this page.