What does Psalm 131:1 mean?

This psalm is attributed to David, considered the greatest king of Israel. Kings tend to become arrogant: they begin to believe themselves truly better than others. David's predecessor, King Saul, started out small in his own eyes but eventually became self-important. Saul disobeyed the Lord's command to utterly destroy Amalek and all the livestock (1 Samuel 15:1–9). As a result of his disobedience, the Lord rejected him from being king (1 Samuel 15:23).

David was a vivid contrast to King Saul. He was humble. David was not afraid to proclaim the Lord's promises and to trust in them (1 Samuel 17:45–47). Nor did David pursue selfish ambitions. Twice, when he had an opportunity to kill his rival, David instead chose humility and patience (1 Samuel 24:6–7; 26:7–10). David was far from perfect, as his sins of adultery and conspiracy would prove (2 Samuel 12:7–9). Yet his basic attitude was always that of a man submitting to the Lord and His will. David's later confessions highlight this idea (Psalm 32:5; 51:3–6).