Psalms 101:5
Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The psalmist declares he will "cut off" those who slander their neighbor secretly. This isn't just about personal offense; it's about recognizing that secret slander is like a "triple tongue" that wounds the slandered, the listener, and the slanderer themselves.
As David begins his reign, he publicly declares his commitment to ruling with integrity and righteousness, vowing to banish wickedness from his household and kingdom. This verse specifically outlines the types of people he will not tolerate: secret slanderers and those with arrogant hearts and haughty attitudes. He contrasts this by stating his eyes will be on the faithful, whom he will bring near to him and employ in service.
Have you ever felt the sting of a rumor? This psalm speaks about slander not just as a lie, but as a weapon that wounds multiple people.
Psalm 101:5 calls out those who 'slander their neighbor secretly.' The ancient wisdom here, particularly the interpretation of the 'triple tongue,' highlights the devastating impact of such words. A slanderer doesn't just hurt the person being spoken about; they also damage the person they are speaking to, and ultimately, they wound themselves.
The Slanderer's Targets
This isn't just about gossip; it's about the insidious way words can be used to destroy others from the shadows. The king declares he will 'cut off' such individuals, meaning they will be removed from his presence and service.
What does it look like when someone's inner pride spills out? This verse links outward arrogance with an internal refusal to tolerate it.
The second part of Psalm 101:5 targets those with a 'haughty look and an arrogant heart.' This isn't just about someone looking down on others; it's about a deep-seated pride that elevates oneself above God and neighbor. The phrase 'haughty look' paints a picture of someone literally carrying their head high with disdain.
The Roots of Arrogance
Understand the original words
lashan · Hebrew Verb
A false or malicious statement spoken against another person; it involves backbiting and using the tongue to harm one's neighbor.
gobah · Hebrew Noun
A mental or spiritual state of excessive pride and self-exaltation. It involves looking down on others and refusing to submit to God or acknowledge one's own limitations.
rachab · Hebrew Adjective
A disposition of superiority and pride that opposes God's design for humility. It is linked with the 'haughty look' as an outward sign of an inward rebellion against God.
Psalm 101 is often understood as David's royal psalm, outlining his vows and principles for ruling justly as he established his kingdom. The verse reflects the harsh realities of court life in ancient Israel, where slander and arrogance were real threats to good governance.
c. 1047 BC
David Anointed King of Israel
After years of hiding and military service, David is finally anointed king over all Israel, marking the beginning of his reign and the establishment of a united kingdom.
c. 1047 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquers the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital city, the City of David. This strategic move unifies the tribes and sets the stage for a strong, centralized monarchy.
c. 1046 BC— this verse
David Establishes Royal Court
As king, David begins to form his administration and court in Jerusalem. This involves appointing officials, establishing laws, and setting standards for behavior within his government and household.
c. 1040 BC
David's Reign Marked by Justice and Reform
Throughout his reign, David strives to implement God's justice and mercy, facing both internal challenges and external threats. His commitment to righteousness influences his governance and personal conduct.
This passage lists 'a proud look' as one of the things God hates, directly paralleling the 'haughty look' mentioned in Psalms 101:5 as something the psalmist will not endure.
James 4:6James directly quotes Proverbs 3:34, stating that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble, reinforcing the idea that arrogance is fundamentally offensive to God and therefore unacceptable in a righteous ruler's court.
Psalm 131:1This psalm is David's expression of humility and contentment, a stark contrast to the 'haughty look and arrogant heart' that he vows to cut off in Psalm 101:5, showing his personal commitment to eschew such pride.
Proverbs 26:24-26This passage describes how malicious speech can be disguised with pleasant words, highlighting the 'secret' nature of slander that Psalms 101:5 condemns and warns against.
clarkePsalms 101:5: "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer."
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor - All flatterers and time-servers, and those who by insinuations and false accusations endeavor to supplant the upright, that they may obtain their offices for themselves or their dependants, will I consider as enemies to the state, I will abominate, and expel them from my court. The Chaldee gives a remarkable meaning t…
ellicottPsalms 101:5: "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer."
(5) Whoso . . . —The “informer” and the “haughty favourite” are no unknown characters in an Oriental court. Proud heart.—Literally, broad, that is, extended with pride. (Comp. Proverbs 21:4.) But LXX. and Vulg., “insatiable.” Will not I suffer.—In Hebrew a simple and expressive “I cannot,” to which we can supply “bear,” from Jeremiah 44:22. (Comp. Isaiah 1:…
The psalmist declares he will "cut off" those who slander their neighbor secretly. This isn't just about personal offense; it's about recognizing that secret slander is like a "triple tongue" that wounds the slandered, the listener, and the slanderer themselves.
As David begins his reign, he publicly declares his commitment to ruling with integrity and righteousness, vowing to banish wickedness from his household and kingdom. This verse specifically outlines the types of people he will not tolerate: secret slanderers and those with arrogant hearts and haughty attitudes. He contrasts this by stating his eyes will be on the faithful, whom he will bring near to him and employ in service.
As David begins his reign, he publicly declares his commitment to ruling with integrity and righteousness, vowing to banish wickedness from his household and kingdom. This verse specifically outlines the types of people he will not tolerate: secret slanderers and those with arrogant hearts and haughty attitudes. He contrasts this by stating his eyes will be on the faithful, whom he will bring near to him and employ in service.
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This combination is intolerable to the one speaking in the psalm. The statement 'I will not endure' expresses a complete rejection. Just as slander destroys trust, arrogance destroys humility and fosters injustice, making such individuals unfit for any position of responsibility or closeness.
"Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure." — The psalmist declares he will "cut off" those who slander their neighbor secretly. This isn't just about personal offense; it's about recognizing that secret slander is like a "triple tongue" that wo…
