Psalms 131:1
Psalms 131:1 in Multiple Translations
My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me.
LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, Or in things too wonderful for me.
Lord, there is no pride in my heart and my eyes are not lifted up; and I have not taken part in great undertakings, or in things over-hard for me.
Lord, I'm not proud or arrogant. I don't worry about things that are beyond me, matters that are far beyond my experience.
A song of degrees or Psalme of David. Lord, mine heart is not hautie, neither are mine eyes loftie, neither haue I walked in great matters and hid from me.
A Song of the Ascents, by David. Jehovah, my heart hath not been haughty, Nor have mine eyes been high, Nor have I walked in great things, And in things too wonderful for me.
LORD, my heart isn’t arrogant, nor my eyes lofty; nor do I concern myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me.
A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness.
Yahweh, I am not proud and I have not thought highly about ◄myself/the things that I have done►. And I do not concern myself about things that you have done that are very big or very wonderful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 131:1
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 131:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁ֥יר
הַֽ/מַּֽעֲל֗וֹת
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
יְהוָ֤ה
לֹא
גָבַ֣הּ
לִ֭בִּ/י
וְ/לֹא
רָמ֣וּ
עֵינַ֑/י
וְ/לֹֽא
הִלַּ֓כְתִּי
בִּ/גְדֹל֖וֹת
וּ/בְ/נִפְלָא֣וֹת
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
שִׁ֥יר
shîyr
H7892
song
N-cs
הַֽ/מַּֽעֲל֗וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
thought
Art | N-fp
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
גָבַ֣הּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֭בִּ/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
רָמ֣וּ
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינַ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִלַּ֓כְתִּי
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
בִּ/גְדֹל֖וֹת
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Prep | Adj
וּ/בְ/נִפְלָא֣וֹת
pâlâʼ
H6381
to wonder
Conj | Prep | V-Niphal
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 131:1
שִׁ֥יר
shîyr
H7892
"song"
N-cs
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
הַֽ/מַּֽעֲל֗וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
"thought"
Art | N-fp
Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.
Definition: what comes up, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.
לְ/דָ֫וִ֥ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גָבַ֣הּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
לִ֭בִּ/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָמ֣וּ
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
עֵינַ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִלַּ֓כְתִּי
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בִּ/גְדֹל֖וֹת
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וּ/בְ/נִפְלָא֣וֹת
pâlâʼ
H6381
"to wonder"
Conj | Prep | V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to wonder or be amazed, often at something great or difficult. It describes God's power and miracles in the Bible, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'marvelous' or 'wonderful'.
Definition: 1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do 1a2) to be difficult to understand 1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary 1a3a) marvellous (participle) 1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing 1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously 1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly). See also: Genesis 18:14; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 9:2.
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 131:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 131:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 131:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 131:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 131:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
- Sermons on Psalms 131:1
Context — I Have Stilled My Soul
1My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty. I do not aspire to great things or matters too lofty for me.
2Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, both now and forevermore.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:16 | Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. |
| 2 | Psalms 139:6 | Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. |
| 3 | Job 42:3 | You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 45:5 | But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD, but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war.” |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 2:6–7 | Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. |
| 6 | Matthew 11:29 | Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. |
| 7 | Psalms 101:5 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. |
| 8 | Psalms 122:1 | I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” |
| 9 | Numbers 12:3 | Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. |
| 10 | Psalms 124:1 | If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now declare— |
Psalms 131:1 Summary
This verse is about having a humble heart and recognizing our own limitations. It means not thinking too highly of ourselves or trying to do things that are beyond our abilities, as encouraged in Romans 12:3. Instead, we should trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, and seek to do His will, as promised in Psalms 138:8. By surrendering our pride and ambitions to God, we can find true peace and fulfillment, as described in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a proud heart, and how can I recognize pride in my own life?
A proud heart is one that is puffed up with self-importance, often leading to a lack of humility and a focus on one's own accomplishments rather than God's glory, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride goes before destruction.
How can I cultivate a humble heart like the one described in Psalms 131:1?
Cultivating a humble heart involves recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and submitting ourselves to God's will, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:4, which promises that humility is rewarded with riches and honor and life.
What are some 'great things or matters too lofty' that I might be aspiring to, and how can I know if they are truly God's will for me?
These might include ambitions or desires that are driven by personal gain or recognition rather than a desire to serve God, as warned against in Jeremiah 45:5, which cautions against seeking great things for ourselves; instead, we should seek God's will and trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, rather than our own abilities or strengths, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-7, which promises that those who trust in God will be blessed and prosper.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be striving for 'great things or matters too lofty' for me, and how can I surrender these to God?
- How can I practically 'still and quiet' my soul, as described in the next verse, in order to focus on God's presence and will?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a humble heart, and recognize the dangers of pride and self-reliance in my life?
- How can I balance the desire to serve God and do great things for Him with the recognition of my own limitations and weaknesses?
- What does it mean to 'aspire to great things' in a way that is pleasing to God, and how can I discern His will in this area?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 131:1
Lord, my heart is not haughty,.... The heart of every man is naturally so, and everything in civil life tends to make it more so; as riches and honour, birth and blood, wisdom, knowledge, and
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
Psalms 131 THE This Psalm seems to have been composed by David during Saul’ s persecution. when be was charged with boundless ambition, and a greedy affectation of the royal throne, and that he sought it by wicked practices against Saul’ s life and dignity. And for his own just vindication he is forced to publish his own integrity, and to declare that as the right of the kingdom was not sought or coveted by him, but freely conferred upon him by the unexpected and undesired favour of God; so that he had no thought or design to invade the throne before his time, but was willing to stay God’ s leisure for it, and in the mean time was resolved to behave himself towards Saul as became a faithful subject, seeking nothing but to preserve his own life from the rage of unrighteous and bloody men. David testifieth his humility, ,2, and exhorteth Israel to trust in the Lord, . Is not haughty; or, lifted up, with that pride whereof I am accused, as thou the Searcher of all hearts knowest. Nor mine eyes lofty; which is a sign and effect of pride, 21:4. Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me; Heb. neither have I walked in great matters, &c. It neither is nor hath been my course to attempt or arrogate any thing to myself above my degree and private capacity, or to affect worldly glory or domination.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
Psalms 131:1 « A Song of degrees of David. » LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.Ver. 1. Lord, my heart is not haughty] Though anointed and appointed by thee to the kingdom; yet I have not ambitiously aspired unto it, by seeking Saul’ s death, as his flatters persuaded him; nor do I now, being possessed of it, proudly domineer (as is the manner of most potentates) and tyrannize over my poor subjects; but with all modesty and humility (not minding high things) I do condescend to them of low estate, Romans 12:16. Now, in alto positum non altum sapere, difficile est, et omnino inusitatum; sed quanto inusitatius, tanto gloriosius (Bucholc.). It is both hard and happy not to be puffed up with prosperity and preferment. Vespasian is said to have been the only one that was made better by being made emperor. Nor mine eyes lofty] Pride sitteth and shows itself in the eyes as soon as in any part. Ut speculum oculus est artis, ita oculus est naturae speculum. Neither do I exercise myself in great matters] Heb. I walk not; maneo intra metas, I keep within my circle, within the compass of my calling; not troubling myself and others by my ambitious projects and practices, as Cleon did, Alcibiades, Caesar Borgia, and others, ambitionists. Or in things too high for me] Heb. wonderful; high and hidden things, that pass my apprehension, and which it behoveth me, mirari potius quam rimari, to admire rather than to pry into.
Arcana Dei sunt Area Dei. The Bethshemites paid dear for peeping into the ark. Phaeton is feigned by the poets to have perished by taking upon him to rule the chariot of the sun; and Bellerophon, by seeking to fly up to heaven upon his Pegasus, to see what Jupiter did there (Horat. lib. 4, Od. 11). Terret ambustus Phaeton avaras Spes; et exemplum grave praebet ales Pegasus, terrenum equitem gravatus Bellerophontem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
PSALM CXXXI The psalmist professes his humility, and the peaceableness of his disposition and conduct, 1, 2. Exhorts Israel to hope in God, 3. NOTES ON PSALM CXXXI Some think that David composed this Psalm as a vindication of himself, when accused by Saul's courtiers that he affected the crown, and was laying schemes and plots to possess himself of it. Others think the Psalm was made during the captivity, and that it contains a fair account of the manner in which the captives behaved themselves, under the domination of their oppressors. Verse 1. Lord, my heart is not haughty] The principle of pride has no place in my heart; and consequently the high, lofty, and supercilious look does not appear in my eyes. I neither look up, with desire to obtain, to the state of others, nor look down with contempt to the meanness or poverty of those below me. And the whole of my conduct proves this; for I have not exercised myself-walked, in high matters, nor associated myself with the higher ranks of the community, nor in great matters, נפלאות niphlaoth, wonderful or sublime things; too high for me, ממני mimmeni, alien from me, and that do not belong to a person in my sphere and situation in life.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 131:1
1. A proud mind finds expression in haughty looks and ambitious schemes. Cp. Psalms 18:27; Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 16:5. neither &c.] Neither do I busy myself (lit. go to and fro) in great things, or in things too arduous for me. Cp. the warning to Baruch in Jeremiah 45:5, and for the word rendered wonderful or arduous cp. Genesis 18:14; Deuteronomy 30:11. The Psalmist has schooled himself to renounce ambitious schemes which are impracticable, and to accept the rôle of insignificance. This appears to be the primary meaning here, rather than ‘mysteries too deep for my comprehension’ (Job 42:3). Sir 3:18 ff. is an expansion of this verse.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 131:1
Lord, my heart is not haughty - Though this is charged upon me; though I may have said things which seem to imply it; though this might appear a just inference from my conduct - yet I am conscious
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 131:1
1. Heart… haughty… eyes lofty—The words rendered “haughty” and “lofty” are of similar meaning, and both denote pride.
Sermons on Psalms 131:1
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The Upward Pathway to Glory by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the dangers of pride, the need for unity in the church, and the ultimate goal of becoming true worshiper |
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A Summary of the Christian Life. of Self-Denial by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of self-denial and surrendering to God, emphasizing the need to dedicate ourselves entirely to the service of God, seeking His will and gl |
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Exposition on Psalm 132 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of humility, meekness, and the need for sincere devotion in fulfilling vows to God. He emphasizes the significance of making room for th |
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The Child-Like Spirit an Essential Condition of Entering Heaven by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of adopting a child-like spirit to enter the kingdom of heaven, as illustrated by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18:3 and Mark 10:15. He outlin |
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A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp |
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How to Overcome Evil by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility in the life of a Christian soldier. He encourages believers to have a condescending attitude towards others and t |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 33 | Saying Goodbye by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher praises the choir and acknowledges their dedication and hard work. He emphasizes the importance of having a double standard in the church, where member |