The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Lord, 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, and betrays itself especially in the eyes."

Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me; literally, too wonderful (comp. Psalms 139:6, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me: it is high: I cannot attain unto it").

The speculative debates of so-called "wise men" concerning the deep things of God's moral government are probably glanced at (see Job 42:3).

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe psalmist aimed at nothing high or great, but to be content in every condition God allotted. Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them. The love of God reigning in the heart, will subdu…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION This psalm has been said to be "like a string era Christian 'Lyre Innocentium'" (Bishop Alexander). It breathes the profoundest humility and submission to God's will (Psalms 131:1, Psalms 131:2). At the same…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryLowliness of mind. This psalm may have been written by David so far as its subject-matter is concerned. For that lowliness of mind of which it treats is quite as compatible with a high as with a humble position in life.…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe soul's most blessed condition. That which the psalmist here affirms of himself is undoubtedly the spiritual condition which is nearest to heaven that here on earth we can know. I. HE TELLS US WHAT IT IS NOT. 1. Prid…The Pulpit Commentary on 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 feeli…The Pulpit Commentary on 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…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 131:1-3The psalmist aimed at nothing high or great, but to be content in every condition God allotted. Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them. The love of God reigning in the heart, will subdu…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3EXPOSITION This psalm has been said to be "like a string era Christian 'Lyre Innocentium'" (Bishop Alexander). It breathes the profoundest humility and submission to God's will (Psalms 131:1, Psalms 131:2). At the same…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Humility. "Lord, my heart is not haughty," etc. "The psalmist has learned from adversity the lesson of submission, and counsels the nation to fit itself in like manner for winning the blessings which are still in store.…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Lowliness of mind. This psalm may have been written by David so far as its subject-matter is concerned. For that lowliness of mind of which it treats is quite as compatible with a high as with a humble position in life.…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3The soul's most blessed condition. That which the psalmist here affirms of himself is undoubtedly the spiritual condition which is nearest to heaven that here on earth we can know. I. HE TELLS US WHAT IT IS NOT. 1. Prid…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1The 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 feeli…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1On 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors