What is the meaning of Psalm 101:3?

I will set no worthless thing before my eyes

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3a) signals a deliberate act of guarding what we allow into our vision and, by extension, into our hearts.

• David chooses ahead of time what will and will not cross his line of sight, echoing Job’s covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1) and Jesus’ call to radical purity (Matthew 5:28–29).

• “Worthless” points to anything empty of godly value—images, entertainments, ambitions, or relationships that detract from holiness (Philippians 4:8).

• The resolve is proactive, not reactive; David doesn’t wait to be tempted but sets boundaries first (Proverbs 4:23).

• In a media-saturated age, this principle still applies: choosing content that fuels faith instead of dulling it (Romans 12:2).

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I hate the work of those who fall away

“I hate the work of those who fall away” (Psalm 101:3b) moves from personal discipline to moral discernment about the culture around him.

• The focus is on “the work” rather than the people themselves, mirroring Jude 23’s call to hate even the garment stained by sin while showing mercy to the sinner.

• “Those who fall away” denotes willful apostasy or persistent rebellion (Hebrews 3:12). David refuses to applaud what God calls evil (Isaiah 5:20).

• Genuine love requires hating what destroys souls (Romans 12:9).

• This stance keeps David aligned with God’s heart, like Elijah confronting Baal worship (1 Kings 18:21).

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It shall not cling to me

“It shall not cling to me” (Psalm 101:3c) expresses confidence that deception and compromise will not take root.

• Sin is pictured as something sticky (Hebrews 12:1). David refuses prolonged contact that could enslave him (1 Corinthians 15:33).

• The metaphor echoes Joseph fleeing Potiphar’s wife before her grasp could tighten (Genesis 39:12).

• Walking in the light keeps darkness from gaining a foothold (1 John 1:7).

• Ongoing vigilance plus God’s faithfulness ensure victory over entangling sins (1 Corinthians 10:13).

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summary

Psalm 101:3 charts a threefold strategy for holy living: pre-decide to shut out worthless influences, actively oppose works that defy God, and refuse any sinful attachment room to stick. Adopt David’s resolve, lean on Christ’s strength, and let nothing unworthy dim your vision of the Lord.