What Psalm 101 Tells Us About Leadership By Alec Hill

The Three Core Qualities Psalm 101 Reveals

In Psalm 101, David describes the ideal senior leader. Probably written shortly before his enthronement, he lays out three qualities that he yearns to embody. Note that various translations are used throughout.

#1 Pursue Personal Integrity

David pledges to live a life of high moral standards:

“Ponder the way that is blameless” (ESV)

Starting with the holiness of God, he meditates on what type of leader he desires to become. Note that he doesn’t say that he will be “blameless,” but will “ponder the way.”

“Walk with integrity of heart” (ESV)

Pursuing absolute integrity – making his actions consistent with his beliefs – is a noble goal. David wants a clean internal life so that he can guide others without guile.       

“Not know wickedness” (NKJV)

Vowing to avoid any misconduct, he sets an ambitious standard of ethics for himself. He commits to not tolerating sin in his heart.

Theodoret of Cyr, a fifth-century bishop, aptly summarized David’s commitments as follows: “I will not practice duplicity, feigning a different appearance to the outside while bringing myself to do the opposite at home; instead, my private face will correspond to my public one. “

#2 Remove Bad Actors

David’s following promise is profound. He pledges to run a clean administration, firing subordinates who misuse their power:

“I hate what faithless people do,” and will “have no part in it” (NIV)

He pledges not to align with those who engage in self-dealing. David will only partner with those who serve others wholeheartedly.

“Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will silence” (NIV)

Not tolerating defamers, bullies, or gossips, David vows to “silence” them (other translations read “cut off, “get rid of,” and “destroy. As a senior leader, he accepts the responsibility to confront them.   

“He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence” (NIV)

David also promises to dismiss those who are dishonest. He will enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards those caught in lies.

“The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure” (ESV)

While the vice of arrogance is usually less pronounced than slander or lying, it can be equally harmful. Condescending leaders who look down on others do significant harm.  

Far too often, leaders fail to address the misbehavior of their direct reports. Why? Sometimes, they hope for reform. Sometimes, they are cowardly, finding it easier just to ignore the fault. Meanwhile, lower-level staff are hurt, the organization’s culture is damaged, and trust is broken.

#3 Build a Team of Trustworthy People

Finally, David promises to establish a leadership team of high-integrity and other-focused individuals:

^“My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me” (NIV)

In selecting his team, David creates a talent pool of “the faithful of the land.” Put another way, he is always on the lookout for people who will serve the mission with undivided hearts.

“He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me” (NIV)

David intentionally recruits honest, hard-working, non-Machiavellian leaders.  One translation reads:

“Whoever follows the way of integrity is the one to enter my service.” (NASB)

David’s Reality

Tragically, as we know, David grossly failed to live up to these ideals. By committing adultery, murder, and deceit – as well as only repenting when confronted – he fell short of his aspirations.  

In addition, blinded by his son Absalom’s charm and talent, he tolerated a snake in his midst. Failure to remove a bad actor nearly cost him his kingdom. 

Summary

What lessons should we glean from the odd combination of David’s soaring words in Psalm 101 and his sordid life? That (a) we should strive to be ideal leaders and (b) be quick to repent when we fail. David lays out excellent principles. That he failed to live up to them does not negate their value. As leaders, we should strive for upright character, remove morally deficient individuals from our teams, and cultivate a culture of trustworthiness.

---

Alec Hill is president emeritus of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA.

---

Now is the best time of the year to register your team for the annual Outcomes Conference 2026!

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of equipping and uniting nonprofit leaders called to transform the world for Christ.