Psalms 101:7

KJV

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that worketh {H6213} deceit {H7423} shall not dwell {H3427} within {H7130} my house {H1004}: he that telleth {H1696} lies {H8267} shall not tarry {H3559} in my sight {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No deceitful person can live in my house; no liar can be my advisor.

Berean Standard Bible

No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.

American Standard Version

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: He that speaketh falsehood shall not be established before mine eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 101:7 articulates King David's unwavering commitment to personal integrity and righteous governance, declaring a strict policy of exclusion for any who practice deceit or falsehood within his royal court and administration. This verse serves as a foundational principle for a leader dedicated to upholding truth and justice, reflecting a desire to align his earthly rule with divine standards of holiness and honesty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 101 is a royal psalm, often titled "A King's Vow" or "A Psalm of Resolve." It functions as a personal declaration by David, outlining the principles by which he intends to govern his kingdom and conduct his personal life. The psalm begins with a commitment to "sing of mercy and justice" ([Psalms 101:1](/psalms/101-1 "Psalms 101:1 - A Song of Mercy and Justice")), followed by a resolve to walk "with a blameless heart" ([Psalms 101:2](/psalms/101-2 "Psalms 101:2 - Walking with Integrity")). The subsequent verses detail the specific evils and wicked individuals David vows to avoid and expel from his presence, leading up to verse 7, which specifically targets deceit and lies. The psalm concludes with a promise to "cut off all the wicked" from the city of the Lord ([Psalms 101:8](/psalms/101-8 "Psalms 101:8 - Purging the Wicked")), emphasizing a comprehensive purge of unrighteousness from his sphere of influence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the king's court was the epicenter of power, decision-making, and justice. The character of the king and his closest advisors directly impacted the stability and righteousness of the entire kingdom. David, as the divinely appointed king of Israel, understood his unique responsibility to govern according to God's laws. His "house" (Hebrew: בֵּיתִי, _beit_i_) refers not only to his physical palace but also to his household, administration, and government officials. The presence of deceitful or lying individuals within this inner circle would corrupt justice, undermine trust, and ultimately dishonor God. David's declaration is a radical commitment to purity in a political landscape often rife with intrigue and falsehood, setting a standard that distinguished Israelite kingship from surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 101 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Rejection of Deceit and Lies**, establishing an absolute intolerance for dishonesty in word and deed, which David views as fundamentally incompatible with righteous governance. This commitment underscores the theme of **Integrity in Leadership**, where the moral character of the ruler and their administration is paramount. David's vow to exclude the dishonest reflects a deep understanding of the **Divine Standard** for truth and justice, recognizing that God Himself is truth and detests falsehood, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord"). Finally, the phrases "shall not dwell within my house" and "shall not tarry in my sight" highlight the theme of **Separation from Wickedness**, emphasizing a deliberate and complete exclusion of those who practice unrighteousness to maintain a holy environment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deceit (Hebrew, _remiyyah'_):** This term (רְמִיָּה) refers to treachery, fraud, or intentional dishonesty, often implying a deliberate act of betrayal or misrepresentation. The phrase "worketh deceit" (פֹּעֵל רְמִיָּה, _po'el remiyyah_) signifies someone who actively practices or habitually performs such treachery, indicating a character defined by cunning and duplicity rather than an isolated incident.
* **Lies (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** The word (שֶׁקֶר) denotes falsehood, untruth, or a spoken lie. "He that telleth lies" (דֹּבֵר שֶׁקֶר, _dover sheqer_) specifically points to verbal dishonesty, someone who speaks untruths, whether for personal gain, to mislead, or to harm. This highlights the destructive power of words when used deceptively.
* **Shall not dwell (Hebrew, _lo yeshev'_):** The verb (לֹא יֵשֵׁב) conveys an absolute prohibition against remaining or having a place. It implies a firm and permanent exclusion, meaning such a person will not be permitted to reside, hold office, or even exist within the king's immediate sphere of influence, emphasizing a complete banishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house":** This clause declares David's uncompromising stance against active, habitual dishonesty. Anyone whose character or actions are marked by treachery, fraud, or cunning manipulation will be completely excluded from his household, court, or administration. This is a commitment to purify the very core of his governing structure, ensuring that those who serve him are people of integrity.
* **"he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight."** This second clause reinforces the first, focusing specifically on verbal falsehood. Those who speak untruths, fabricate stories, or spread deception will not be tolerated in David's presence or service. The phrase "shall not tarry in my sight" implies not only expulsion but also a refusal to grant them audience, favor, or position, underscoring the king's complete rejection of verbal dishonesty.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 101:7 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "He that worketh deceit" is paralleled by "he that telleth lies," and "shall not dwell within my house" is paralleled by "shall not tarry in my sight." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central theme of rejecting all forms of dishonesty, emphasizing both deceptive actions and words. The use of strong negative declarations ("shall not dwell," "shall not tarry") creates a sense of absolute and unwavering resolve, bordering on **hyperbole** to stress the severity of the king's commitment. Furthermore, the psalm can be seen as a **royal decree** or **vow**, a formal declaration of policy and personal conduct, lending it authority and solemnity. The concept of "my house" and "my sight" can also be seen as a form of **metonymy**, representing David's entire sphere of influence and governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 101:7 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's character and His expectations for His people, especially those in leadership. God is consistently portrayed as a God of truth, faithfulness, and justice, who detests falsehood and deceit. David's vow to purge his court of liars and deceivers is an attempt to mirror divine attributes in his earthly reign, establishing a kingdom that reflects God's righteousness. This commitment extends beyond the king to all who seek to live righteously, calling believers to embody truthfulness in every aspect of their lives, recognizing that integrity is not merely a moral virtue but a theological imperative.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speaking Truth to One Another")
* [Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Do Not Lie to One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 101:7 offers a timeless challenge for individuals and communities alike. In a world often characterized by spin, misinformation, and outright falsehood, David's resolve serves as a powerful reminder of the non-negotiable value of truth. For believers, this verse calls us to cultivate radical honesty in our personal lives, our families, our workplaces, and our churches. It compels us to examine our own words and actions, rooting out any tendency towards deceit, exaggeration, or insincerity. Furthermore, it encourages us to be discerning about the influences we allow into our "house" – our inner circle, our minds, and our spiritual environment. Just as David sought to create a court free from corruption, we are called to foster environments where truth is cherished, accountability is practiced, and integrity is celebrated, recognizing that our commitment to truth reflects the character of God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "work deceit" or "tell lies," even subtly?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a greater commitment to truthfulness in my daily interactions and decisions?**
* **What kind of "company" or "influences" do I allow into my personal "house" (my thoughts, relationships, and environment), and do they align with a commitment to truth?**
* **If I am in a position of leadership (in my family, church, or workplace), how can I apply David's principle to foster an environment of honesty and integrity?**

### FAQ

**What does "my house" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 101:7, "my house" (Hebrew: בֵּיתִי, _beit_i_) refers primarily to King David's royal palace, his immediate household, and by extension, his entire administration and government. It signifies the inner circle of his court, including advisors, officials, and servants. David is declaring that anyone who practices deceit or speaks lies will not be allowed to reside or serve within this sphere of influence, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a righteous and trustworthy government.

**Is this verse only applicable to kings or leaders?**

Answer: While the psalm is a royal vow, its principles are broadly applicable to all believers. David's commitment to integrity and truthfulness reflects a divine standard that God expects from all His people. Just as David sought to purify his physical "house" and court, believers are called to purify their own lives, their families, and their communities from deceit and falsehood. The New Testament similarly calls us to "put away falsehood" and "speak the truth to one's neighbor" ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speaking Truth to One Another")), and to live as "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Walk as Children of Light")). Thus, the verse serves as a powerful guide for personal integrity and discerning associations for all who follow God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 101:7, with its fervent commitment to truth and the expulsion of deceit, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His kingdom. While David, an earthly king, strived to purge his court of falsehood, Jesus perfectly embodies truth, declaring Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In His earthly ministry, Christ consistently exposed hypocrisy and deceit, confronting the lies of the devil, whom He called "a liar and the father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies")). His kingdom is not built on political maneuvering or human deception, but on the unshakeable foundation of divine truth ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingdom is of Truth")). Moreover, Jesus purifies His "house"—the church, His body of believers—from all falsehood and blemish, presenting it to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). Ultimately, in the new heavens and new earth, "nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only the Pure Enter the New Jerusalem")), perfectly fulfilling David's aspiration for a realm utterly free from deceit and lies.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 1:16

Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Acts 1:20

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

2 Samuel 4:10

When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who [thought] that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

2 Samuel 4:12

And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged [them] up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried [it] in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

Acts 5:1

¶ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Acts 5:10

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying [her] forth, buried [her] by her husband.

2 Kings 5:26

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?