Psalms 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.
Original Language Analysis
בַסֵּ֨תֶר׀
Whoso privily
H5643
בַסֵּ֨תֶר׀
Whoso privily
Strong's:
H5643
Word #:
2 of 12
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
אוֹת֪וֹ
H853
אוֹת֪וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַ֫צְמִ֥ית
him will I cut off
H6789
אַ֫צְמִ֥ית
him will I cut off
Strong's:
H6789
Word #:
5 of 12
to extirpate (literally or figuratively)
עֵ֭ינַיִם
look
H5869
עֵ֭ינַיִם
look
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּרְחַ֣ב
and a proud
H7342
וּרְחַ֣ב
and a proud
Strong's:
H7342
Word #:
8 of 12
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively
אֹ֝ת֗וֹ
H853
אֹ֝ת֗וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Psalms 15:3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.Psalms 18:27For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.Psalms 50:20Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.Proverbs 30:13There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.Proverbs 20:19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.1 Corinthians 5:11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Daniel 4:37Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.Titus 2:3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Historical Context
Slander was a serious offense in ancient Israel, punishable under Mosaic law (Lev 19:16). David himself suffered greatly from slander throughout his reign, particularly from Shimei (2 Sam 16:5-8) and his enemies.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against the subtle sins of gossip and pride in your daily conversations?
- What practices can you implement to cultivate the humility of Christ in your leadership or relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse addresses three sins: slander (lashon hara in Jewish tradition), pride, and arrogance. David's commitment to 'cut off' and not 'suffer' such people demonstrates zero tolerance for these character defects in his administration. The Hebrew for 'proud heart' (rechab lebab) indicates an expanded, haughty spirit. Reformed theology recognizes pride as the root of all sin, the very offense that caused Satan's fall. Christ, by contrast, demonstrated humility (Phil 2:5-8).