Lord, my heart is not proud (Psalm 131)

Psalm 131:1-3 is a short yet profound passage attributed to David, describing a deep sense of humility, contentment, and trust in God.

Psalm 131 teaches the virtue of humility (גָּבַהּ [gavah] and רָמוּ [ramu]) and the importance of trust in God. The psalmist’s refusal to engage in matters beyond understanding (בִּגְדֹלוֹת וּבְנִפְלָאוֹת [big'dolot uvinifla'ot]) highlights a humble acknowledgment of God's wisdom and control. The quieted soul (דָּמַם [damam]), likened to a weaned child (כַּגָּמֻל [kagamul]), symbolizes a deep trust in God's providence and care, where anxiety and pride are replaced by peaceful reliance on God.

The psalm ends with a call to Israel to place hope in the Lord, suggesting that the peace and contentment found in humble trust are available to the entire community of believers. This trust is not temporary but is to be maintained "from this time forth and forevermore," (מֵֽעַתָּה וְעַד־עוֹלָם [me'atah ve'ad-olam], Psalm 131:3) emphasizing the eternal nature of God's faithfulness and the enduring call to rely on him.

The passage, emphasizing humility, contentment, and trust, is a timeless reminder of the peace that comes from relinquishing pride and anxiety and placing one's hope fully in God.