Note: The theme of this psalm is humility. John Phillips notes that the words of this Psalm were “breathed by him [David] in prayer. He wrote them down for his own edification and guidance in the conduct of his affairs. … Probably David never suspected that this psalm would ever see the light of day.” (Exploring the Psalms, Vol. 5, p. 101). Spurgeon wrote of this psalm: “It is one of the shortest Psalms to read but one of the longest to learn.”

A song of ascents. Of David.




131:1 My heart [if pride is found here then everything else in our lives will be polluted] is not proud [an attitude of humility], Lord, my eyes [“…pride is most clearly revealed in the eyes.” (N. M’Michael)] are not haughty [the opposite of humility; proud and envious eyes;  “The proud person looks, compares, competes, and is never content.” (Expositor’s, Vol. 5, p. 803)]; I do not concern myself with great matters [not preoccupied with the pursuit of greatness] or things too wonderful for me.

Note: “I do not seek, O Lord, to penetrate Thy depths. I by no means think my intellect equal to them: but I long to understand in some degree Thy truth, which my heart believes and loves. For I do not seek to understand that I may believe; but I believe that I may understand.” (Anselm, 11th century)

131:2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child [although growing, yet still a child] with its mother; like a weaned child I am content [contentment with God].

131:3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.