Psalms 131:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Song {H7892} of degrees {H4609} of David {H1732}. LORD {H3068}, my heart {H3820} is not haughty {H1361}, nor mine eyes {H5869} lofty {H7311}: neither do I exercise {H1980} myself in great matters {H1419}, or in things too high {H6381} for me.

Complete Jewish Bible

A song of ascents. By David: ADONAI, my heart isn't proud; I don't set my sight too high, I don't take part in great affairs or in wonders far beyond me.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 131:1, a concise yet profound "Song of Ascents" attributed to David, serves as a powerful declaration of humility, contentment, and spiritual surrender. It articulates a deliberate choice to reject pride in heart and eye, and to refrain from striving after matters beyond one's God-given capacity or comprehension. This verse sets the stage for a psalm that beautifully encapsulates the peace found in childlike trust and dependence upon the Lord, contrasting sharply with the world's pursuit of self-exaltation and anxious ambition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 131 stands as one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally sung by pilgrims making their way up to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms often share themes of journey, longing for God, trust, and communal worship. Psalms 131, though brief, is a pivotal piece within this collection, offering a profound personal confession that undergirds the collective spiritual journey. Its immediate successor, [Psalms 131:2](/psalms/131-2 "A Weaned Child"), deepens the metaphor of childlike dependence, while [Psalms 131:3](/psalms/131-3 "Hope in the Lord") extends the call for Israel to hope in the Lord, demonstrating how individual humility fosters communal trust. This psalm functions as a spiritual anchor, preparing the worshiper's heart for true communion with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Songs of Ascents" were integral to the spiritual life of ancient Israel. Pilgrims would travel from various parts of the land, often on foot, to Jerusalem for festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. This journey was not merely physical but deeply spiritual, a time of reflection, anticipation, and communal bonding. The ascent to Jerusalem, a city set on hills, symbolized a spiritual elevation towards God's presence. In a culture where status and honor were highly valued, David's public declaration of humility would have been counter-cultural, emphasizing an internal posture of heart and eye over external displays of power or wisdom, particularly for a king. This humble disposition was essential for approaching a holy God in His temple.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes radiating from [Psalms 131](/psalms/131 "A Psalm of Humility and Trust") are profound humility, serene contentment, and unwavering trust in God. David's renunciation of a "haughty heart" and "lofty eyes" directly addresses the internal and external manifestations of pride, a recurring theme throughout the wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction"). His refusal to "exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me" speaks to a deep contentment with God's sovereign plan and a recognition of human limitations. This theme resonates with the call to cast anxieties upon the Lord found in [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "Cast Your Anxieties on Him"). Ultimately, the psalm champions a humble, trusting posture that frees the soul from the burdens of ambition and the anxieties of overreaching, leading to profound spiritual peace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haughty (גָּבַהּ, _gavah_):** This Hebrew verb means "to be high, exalted, lifted up." When applied to the heart, it signifies arrogance, pride, or a swollen sense of self-importance. David's declaration "my heart is not haughty" is a renunciation of internal pride, the root of self-exaltation that sets oneself above God or others. It implies a conscious guarding against the very core of a proud spirit.
* **Lofty (רוּם, _rum_):** Similar to _gavah_, this verb means "to be high, exalted, lifted up." When paired with "eyes," it describes a proud gaze, a condescending look that dismisses others or expresses self-admiration. "Nor mine eyes lofty" complements the "haughty heart," indicating that David's inner humility is reflected in his outward demeanor, specifically in the way he perceives and interacts with the world.
* **Things too high for me (נִפְלָאוֹת מִמֶּנִּי, _niphla'ot mimmenni_):** The word _niphla'ot_ refers to "wonders" or "extraordinary things," often things beyond human comprehension or ability, frequently used in connection with God's miraculous works. The phrase "too high for me" implies matters that are inscrutable, unattainable, or beyond one's proper sphere of influence or understanding. David's refusal to "exercise myself" in such matters signifies a humble acceptance of human limits and a surrender to divine wisdom, rather than an anxious striving to grasp or control what belongs to God alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"LORD, my heart is not haughty":** This opening clause is a direct address to Yahweh, establishing a personal confession before God. David declares an internal state of humility, asserting that his innermost being, the seat of his will and affections, is free from pride, arrogance, or an inflated sense of self-importance. This is a foundational statement of spiritual integrity.
* **"nor mine eyes lofty":** Building on the previous clause, this expands the declaration of humility to David's outward demeanor. The eyes are often considered a window to the soul, and "lofty eyes" would betray a proud, condescending, or self-exalting spirit. David affirms that his perception and outward expression are also marked by humility, not by a gaze that looks down on others or seeks personal glory.
* **"neither do I exercise myself in great matters":** David further defines his humble posture by stating what he *does not* do. "Great matters" (גְּדֹלוֹת, _gedolot_) refers to things of vast importance, complex affairs, or ambitious undertakings that might be beyond his God-given role or capacity. He refrains from striving for power, status, or influence that is not rightfully his, demonstrating contentment within his sphere.
* **"or in things too high for me":** This final clause reinforces the previous one, emphasizing a recognition of human limitation in the face of divine sovereignty. "Things too high for me" refers to matters that are too wondrous, too complex, or too inscrutable for human comprehension or control. David chooses not to anxiously meddle in or strive to master what belongs to God's domain, finding peace in surrendering to God's wisdom and providence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 131:1 is rich with literary artistry, despite its brevity. The psalm opens with a direct **Confession** to the Lord, immediately establishing an intimate and transparent relationship between the psalmist and God. This confession is structured using **Parallelism**, specifically **Negative Parallelism**, where David states what his heart and eyes are *not* ("not haughty," "nor lofty") and what he does *not* do ("neither do I exercise myself..."). This repetition with variation emphasizes the comprehensive nature of his humility. The use of "heart" and "eyes" employs **Synecdoche**, where parts of the body represent the whole person's inner disposition and outward expression. The "eyes" can also be seen as a **Metaphor** for one's perspective or outlook on life. The phrase "great matters" and "things too high for me" are a form of **Merism**, encompassing the full spectrum of ambitious striving and intellectual pride. The entire verse functions as an **Antithesis** to the typical human inclination towards pride and self-exaltation, setting a counter-cultural standard of humble contentment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 131:1 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of true humility before God. It challenges the human tendency towards self-exaltation, intellectual pride, and anxious striving, redirecting the focus to a quiet trust in divine sovereignty. This humility is not self-abasement but a realistic assessment of one's place in relation to an infinite God, leading to peace rather than anxiety. It underscores the biblical truth that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. David's confession here is a model for all believers, demonstrating that a right relationship with God begins with a humble heart that acknowledges His greatness and our limitations.

* [Proverbs 3:5-7](/proverbs/3-5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God resists the proud")
* [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3 "Become as little children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly pressures us to be "great," to achieve more, and to grasp for knowledge and control, Psalms 131:1 offers a liberating counter-narrative. David's declaration of humility is not a call to inaction or ignorance, but to a profound peace rooted in acknowledging God's sovereignty and our own finite nature. It invites us to release the burden of needing to understand everything, control every outcome, or prove our worth through endless striving. True spiritual maturity, this verse suggests, is found in the quiet confidence of a heart that trusts God with the "great matters" and the "things too high for me," allowing us to rest in His wisdom and provision. This posture frees us from the anxieties of ambition and the corrosive effects of pride, enabling us to live with a childlike dependence that truly honors God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to let my heart become "haughty" or my eyes "lofty"?**
* **What "great matters" or "things too high for me" do I often try to control or understand, leading to anxiety rather than peace?**
* **How can cultivating a more childlike trust in God's sovereignty transform my daily anxieties and ambitions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Psalms 131 being a "Song of Degrees" or "Song of Ascents"?**

Answer: The designation "Song of Degrees" (or "Song of Ascents" in many modern translations) refers to a collection of fifteen psalms (Psalms 120-134) traditionally sung by pilgrims as they "ascended" or went up to Jerusalem for the three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). This journey was both a literal physical ascent to the elevated city of Jerusalem and a spiritual ascent towards God's presence in the Temple. The psalms in this collection often reflect themes pertinent to such a journey: longing for God, seeking peace, finding rest, and expressing communal hope and trust. For [Psalms 131](/psalms/131 "A Song of Humble Trust"), its placement within this collection suggests that genuine spiritual pilgrimage, a true ascent to God, requires a heart purified of pride and surrendered in humble trust, making it a foundational disposition for approaching the Holy One.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 131:1, with its profound declaration of humility and surrender, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While David confessed his *striving* not to be proud, Jesus *was* inherently and perfectly humble, embodying the very essence of this psalm. The Apostle Paul beautifully captures this in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation"), describing how Christ, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Jesus never had a haughty heart or lofty eyes; He did not exercise Himself in "great matters" beyond His Father's will, but perfectly submitted to the divine plan, even to the cross. He invites us to find rest in this humility, saying, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). Thus, David's aspiration becomes a reality in Christ, who not only models perfect humility but also empowers His followers to live with the same childlike trust and freedom from anxious striving.

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

Romans 12:16

[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Psalms 139:6

[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it.

Job 42:3

Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

Jeremiah 45:5

And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek [them] not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:7

¶ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: