Psalm 101 5

Psalm 101:5 kjv

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Psalm 101:5 nkjv

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.

Psalm 101:5 niv

Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.

Psalm 101:5 esv

Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.

Psalm 101:5 nlt

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.

Psalm 101 verses

Psalm 101 5 Meaning

Psalm 101:5 declares the resolute commitment of a righteous ruler, likely King David, to eradicate two specific evils from his presence and administration: secret slander and overt pride. He pledges to "destroy" (cut off) those who secretly damage their neighbor's reputation through false words, and he states he "will not endure" (cannot tolerate) individuals whose demeanor and heart betray arrogance and haughtiness. This verse embodies a leader's promise to maintain integrity and justice within his realm by actively opposing corrupting influences.

Psalm 101 5 Context

Psalm 101 is often referred to as a "Mirror for Magistrates" or a "Psalm of Royal Resolution." It is attributed to David, likely reflecting his determination for how he would govern his household and his kingdom justly and purely. The preceding verses (1-4) speak of David's commitment to "walk within my house with integrity of heart," abhorring wicked deeds and twisted talk. This psalm sets forth the moral standards he would uphold, particularly in selecting those who serve him and associating with his court. He declares that no one who practices deceit will live in his house, and he will not permit anyone who speaks falsely to remain in his presence. Verse 5 is a specific application of these principles, directly addressing the two insidious evils of secret slander and open pride, both of which corrupt good governance and community. The historical context involves an ancient Near Eastern kingship, where royal courts could be hotbeds of intrigue, flattery, and self-promotion. David, as a righteous king, sets a clear polemic against such prevailing cultural norms by vowing to actively cleanse his court of these destructive elements, aligning his earthly rule with divine justice.

Psalm 101 5 Word analysis

• Whoever slanders (מלוֹשֵׁן֙, maloshēn): Derived from the root lashon (tongue). This refers to a "tongue-speaker" or "talebearer." It implies using the tongue maliciously to spread damaging reports or lies. The action is one of calumny, specifically designed to harm someone's reputation.
• his neighbor (רֵעֵ֗הוּ, re'ehu): Denotes another person, specifically someone within the community or sphere of influence. This emphasizes that the target of slander is not a distant enemy but someone within the relational fabric of the king's domain, highlighting the disruption of communal harmony.
• secretly (בַסֶּ֥תֶר, basseter): Means "in secret" or "hidden." This adverb intensifies the wickedness of slander, as it's done furtively, making it difficult to detect or counter. It indicates malicious intent combined with cowardice.
• I will destroy (אַצְמִ֖ית, atzmît): From the root tsâmath, meaning "to cut off," "to put an end to," "to root out," "to annihilate." This is a strong verb indicating decisive and complete removal. It signifies the king's firm resolve to purge such individuals from his presence and likely from his administration, echoing a divine standard of judgment.
• whoever has a haughty look (גבהּ־עינּים֙, gevah einayim): Literally "high of eyes" or "elevated eyes." This is a common Hebrew idiom for arrogance, pride, or looking down on others. It describes an outward manifestation of an inward attitude of superiority.
• and an arrogant heart (וּרְחַב־לֵבָ֗ב, u'rhav levav): Literally "broad of heart." This phrase signifies an inflated ego, an expansive sense of self-importance, and excessive self-confidence, bordering on rebellion against God and others. The heart is considered the seat of one's thoughts, emotions, and will.
• I will not endure (לֹ֣א אֻכַ֑ל, ló úkal): Means "I am not able to endure," "I cannot tolerate," or "I cannot bear." This expresses a strong, personal repugnance and an active refusal to have such individuals in his service or proximity. It implies a moral and ethical inability to accept such character traits.

Words-Group Analysis

• Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy: This clause focuses on destructive, hidden actions. The king commits to unearthing and eradicating secret wickedness. The "secretly" aspect heightens the need for royal vigilance and uncompromising judgment against those who operate in the shadows, reflecting a desire for transparent justice.
• Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure: This clause shifts from actions to character and internal disposition, as manifested externally. The ruler vows to oppose not just harmful deeds, but also the inner state of pride that breeds contempt and disharmony. This indicates a holistic approach to good governance, focusing on character as much as conduct. The pairing of "haughty look" and "arrogant heart" emphasizes that pride manifests both inwardly and outwardly, and both aspects are detestable.

Psalm 101 5 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a crucial aspect of biblical leadership: it is not enough for a ruler to merely perform good deeds; they must also actively oppose and purge evil from their domain and company. The King's "I will destroy" and "I will not endure" demonstrate a pro-active stance against the forces of moral decay. The pairing of slander (an action that affects others) and pride (a condition of the heart) suggests a comprehensive understanding of human sin, targeting both its external manifestations and internal roots. Furthermore, the king's resolve reflects a desire to create a "holy space" around himself, akin to the tabernacle or temple, where purity and righteousness are paramount. This isn't just about political stability, but about fostering an environment pleasing to God, which is necessary for the blessings of His reign to extend over the people. It aligns human governance with divine attributes of justice and holiness.

Psalm 101 5 Commentary

Psalm 101:5 serves as a potent declaration of a righteous ruler's commitment to moral purity and justice within his immediate sphere of influence. King David here outlines two specific vices that he, as a godly leader, will not tolerate. Firstly, the secret slanderer, who undermines trust and harms reputation through hidden words, is condemned to destruction. This speaks to David's resolve to actively seek out and remove insidious forces that operate deceptively within his court. It underlines the importance of a leader who not only seeks justice but is vigilant against the subtle poisons that can corrupt an administration from within. Secondly, the one with "haughty look" and "arrogant heart"—manifestations of pride—is unequivocally rejected. Pride is an anathema to God and good leadership, fostering oppression and resisting humility. David, through divine inspiration, understood that such character defects, even without overt malicious acts, are detrimental to the welfare of his people and antithetical to righteous rule. This verse is not just a personal vow but establishes a divine principle for all authority—that integrity, truth, and humility must prevail, and their antitheses must be actively purged. It showcases a ruler prioritizing moral rectitude above political expediency, mirroring the character of God Himself.

Practical usage examples:

• Personal conduct: Guarding against gossiping or speaking ill of others, especially when done subtly.
• Discerning character: Recognizing pride in oneself and others (e.g., in a supervisor or colleague), and understanding its corrosive potential in any organization or relationship.
• Leadership selection: A reminder for anyone in authority to choose associates based on integrity and humility, not merely competence, as pride and deceit inevitably sow discord and injustice.