Bible Commentary

Psalms 131

Psalms 131 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

This psalm is David's profession of humility, humbly made, with thankfulness to God for his grace, and not in vain-glory. It is probable enough that (as most interpreters suggest) David made this protestation in answer to the calumnies of Saul and his courtiers, who represented David as an ambitious aspiring man, who, under pretence of a divine appointment, sought the kingdom, in the pride of his heart. But he appeals to God, that, on the contrary, I. He aimed at nothing high nor great, ver. 1. II. He was very easy in every condition which God allotted him (ver. 2); and therefore, III. He encourages all good people to trust in God as he did, ver. 3. Some have made it an objection against singing David's psalms that there are many who cannot say, "My heart is not haughty," &c. It is true there are; but we may sing it for the same purpose that we read it, to teach and admonish ourselves, and one another, what we ought to be, with repentance that we have come short of being so, and humble prayer to God for his grace to make us so.

Humble Confidence.

A song of degrees of David.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 131

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 131 — OverviewPsalms 131 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 131:1, David, professing his humility, Psalms 131:3, exhorts Israel to trust in God. Some think that this Psalm was composed by David when accused by Saul and his courtiers that he affected the crown; though…Psalms 131 — OverviewPsalms 131 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSong of degrees of David. This psalm was written by David in his younger days, before he came to the throne; while he was in Saul's court, or persecuted by him. The occasion of it, as is generally thought, was a calumny…Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere are two things which will be comforts to us:-- I. Consciousness of our integrity. This was David's rejoicing, that his heart could witness for him that he had walked humbly with his God, notwithstanding the…Psalms 131:1Psalms 131:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryLord, my heart is not haughty; or, "not lifted up". Not unduly elated by the prosperity that thou hast bestowed on me. Nor mine eyes lofty (comp. Psalms 101:5), "Pride," as Hengstenberg says, "has its seat in the heart,…Psalms 131:1Psalms 131:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe sense of what is acceptable with God. This psalm expresses the meek humility of the pardoned and restored sinner. But taken as expressing the sentiment of the restored nation, it suggests the mood of cherished…Psalms 131:1Psalms 131:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryOn knowing our spheres. Prayer-book Version, "I do not exercise myself in great matters: which are too high for me." The poet disclaims three distinct kinds of pride; secret conceit of heart; the ostentation of the man…