Psalm 101, the Heart, and How We Handle Money and Pride

Psalm 101, the Heart, and How We Handle Money and Pride
Letting God Shape How We See Ourselves and Others

In Psalm 101:5–6, David writes:

“Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.”

These verses cut deep—not just because of what they say about others, but because of what they reveal about us.

There’s something about money, status, and comparison that can expose what’s really going on in our hearts. Pride, superiority, and judgment don’t always shout—they often whisper. They show up in how we talk about others, how we think about ourselves, and how we handle the advantages we’ve been given.

Here are three truths Psalm 101 leads us into:

1. Pride and Comparison Are Barriers to Love and Faithfulness

“Whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”

God is not indifferent to pride—it’s something He actively resists. Pride convinces us we need to earn our worth, and often it leads us to diminish others to feel more valuable ourselves. I know this personally.

There have been times when I’ve looked around and felt the sting of injustice—when I’ve sensed that because of how I look, I might be overlooked or underestimated. And rather than taking that pain to God, I’ve felt tempted to prove myself, to talk about others in ways that boost me, to compare.

But the truth is, comparison doesn’t heal pain—it deepens it. Only Christ can give me the identity I long for. My worth is not in man, but in God.

2. Faithfulness Is What God Honors—Not Status or Appearances

“My eyes will be on the faithful in the land… the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.”

God doesn’t reward the loudest, the wealthiest, or the most impressive—He honors faithfulness. That’s incredibly freeing. You don’t have to climb to the top of any ladder to be seen by God. He’s watching for the humble, the honest, and the faithful.

When we understand that, it changes how we view money and success. Wealth becomes a tool—not a trophy. Our gifts and advantages become ways to serve, not means to dominate.

And when I submit my heart to Christ—even in the moments when it’s hard to be quiet, when I want to justify myself—He transforms the pride into peace.

3. Money and Influence Should Be Used to Lift Others, Not Ourselves

God knows what each person needs. And often, He places us in positions of advantage—whether financially, socially, or emotionally—not to build our own name but to build up others. Paul reminds us:

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” – Romans 12:3

That doesn’t mean being blind to differences. I see them. I feel them. But instead of resenting or overcompensating, I’m learning to use what I have to serve. To speak up for the voiceless. To shut up and listen when that’s what faithfulness requires. To let the Spirit combat the pride I can’t fight alone.

Prayer

Lord, You see every part of me—what I say, what I think, and even what I hide. Forgive me for the pride in my heart—for the times I talk down about others to feel more valuable myself. Teach me to see people as You do, not through the lens of comparison, but through the eyes of compassion. Remind me that my worth is not in what others think of me, but in who You say I am. Help me to use everything I have—money, influence, strength—not to elevate myself, but to lift others in love. Spirit of God, fight in me the battles I cannot fight on my own. Humble me, lead me, and let me walk in faithful obedience.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sometimes the deepest battles happen in the quiet places of the heart. But God sees them—and He is faithful to shape us into people who reflect His justice, humility, and love. Not through pride. Not through comparison. But through the transforming power of grace.