Psalms 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso privily {H5643} slandereth {H3960}{H3960} his neighbour {H7453}, him will I cut off {H6789}: him that hath an high {H1362} look {H5869} and a proud {H7342} heart {H3824} will not I suffer {H3201}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone slanders another in secret, I will cut him off. Haughty eyes and proud hearts I cannot abide.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.

American Standard Version

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I destroy: Him that hath a high look and a proud heart will I not suffer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 101:5 presents a resolute declaration from King David, articulating the foundational principles of his righteous governance and personal integrity. This verse specifically outlines David's unwavering commitment to exclude from his presence and administration those who engage in secret slander against their neighbors and those who harbor a haughty spirit and proud demeanor. It serves as a powerful testament to a leader's dedication to fostering an environment of truth, humility, and justice, setting a clear standard for moral conduct within his court and kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 101 is uniquely structured as a "Psalm of a King's Vow," where David, as the anointed ruler, publicly commits himself to a life of personal integrity and righteous governance. The psalm begins with David's resolve to sing of "mercy and judgment" (/psalms/101-1 "Psalm 101:1 - Mercy and Judgment"), establishing the dual pillars of his reign. He pledges to walk "within his house with a perfect heart" (/psalms/101-2 "Psalm 101:2 - A Perfect Heart"), demonstrating that his commitment to righteousness begins in his personal life before extending to his public administration. Verse 5 fits squarely within this framework, detailing the specific character traits and actions David would actively reject, thereby defining the moral boundaries of his court and the kind of people he would choose to surround himself with. It is a practical outworking of his earlier vows to "set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (/psalms/101-3 "Psalm 101:3 - No Wicked Thing") and to refuse association with those who turn aside from uprightness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king was not merely a political figure but also a divinely appointed shepherd of his people, responsible for upholding God's law and justice. David's reign, particularly in its early stages, was characterized by a desire to establish a kingdom founded on righteous principles, distinct from the corrupt practices of surrounding nations. The king's court was a reflection of his character and values, and the integrity of his officials was paramount for the stability and well-being of the nation. Slander ("privily slandereth") was a particularly insidious threat in a communal society, as it could destroy reputations and sow discord without open confrontation, undermining the social fabric. Pride ("high look and a proud heart") was seen as an affront to God and a dangerous trait in a leader or official, as it led to oppression and injustice, contrasting sharply with the humility expected of those who served under God's authority. David’s declaration in this verse would have been understood as a clear policy statement for his administration, signaling the moral standards expected of all who served him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 101 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **righteous leadership**, emphasizing that true governance is not merely about power but about moral character and the active promotion of justice and truth. David's vow to "cut off" the slanderer and not "suffer" the proud demonstrates a leader's responsibility to purge wickedness from his sphere of influence, aligning with the call for rulers to be "just, ruling in the fear of God" (/2_samuel/23-3 "2 Samuel 23:3 - A Ruler Just and God-Fearing"). Secondly, it underscores the **destructive nature of the tongue and the heart**, specifically targeting the insidious sin of slander and the pervasive sin of pride. The Bible consistently warns against the power of words to destroy lives and communities, as seen in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue"), and condemns pride as an abomination to God, often preceding a fall, as articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **divine judgment and human accountability**, as David's commitment to judge these character flaws reflects God's own abhorrence of such sins and His ultimate judgment against them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Privily slandereth (Hebrew, _lashan'_):** This term refers to "slandering with the tongue" or "backbiting," often implying secret or whispered defamation. The "privily" (Hebrew, _bas-seter_) emphasizes the clandestine, insidious nature of the act, distinguishing it from open accusation. It speaks to malicious gossip and secret denigration designed to harm another's reputation without direct confrontation, sowing discord and undermining trust from the shadows.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _karat'_):** This verb literally means "to cut," "to sever," or "to destroy." In this context, it signifies a decisive and complete removal or exclusion. For David, it implies expelling such individuals from his presence, his court, or his administration, effectively severing their connection to his sphere of influence and perhaps even their livelihood or social standing within the kingdom. It conveys a strong, uncompromising judgment against the slanderer.
* **High look (Hebrew, _rum 'ayin'_) and a proud heart (Hebrew, _rachav lev'_):** "High look" literally means "exalted eye" and is a common idiom for arrogance, haughtiness, or disdain. It describes an outward demeanor that reflects an inner sense of superiority. "Proud heart" refers to an expansive or broad heart, signifying an inflated ego, self-importance, or an unwillingness to submit to God or others. Together, these phrases capture the essence of pride—an internal conceit that manifests in an outwardly arrogant posture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour":** This clause identifies the first type of individual David will not tolerate: those who secretly engage in malicious gossip or defamation against their fellow citizens. The emphasis is on the hidden, insidious nature of the attack, which undermines community trust and personal reputation without direct confrontation.
* **"him will I cut off":** This is David's resolute response to the slanderer. The phrase signifies a decisive and complete removal or expulsion. It indicates that such individuals would be severed from his court, his presence, and any position of influence within his kingdom, demonstrating a zero-tolerance policy for this destructive behavior.
* **"him that hath an high look and a proud heart":** This clause introduces the second type of person David condemns: those characterized by arrogance, haughtiness, and an inflated sense of self-importance. The "high look" describes their outward, disdainful demeanor, while the "proud heart" points to the inner root of their conceit—a spirit unwilling to acknowledge God's authority or the value of others.
* **"will not I suffer":** This declaration means David will not tolerate, endure, or permit such individuals to remain in his service or presence. It underscores his unwavering commitment to maintaining a court and a kingdom founded on humility and righteousness, actively rejecting those whose pride would corrupt the moral fabric of his administration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 101:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey David's firm resolve. **Parallelism** is evident in the two distinct yet related condemnations: slander and pride. Both are presented as behaviors that will elicit a strong, negative response from the king, underscoring their equally destructive nature. The phrase "high look and a proud heart" utilizes **metonymy** and **synecdoche**, where the "high look" (a part of the body, the eye, and its expression) represents the entire attitude of arrogance, and the "proud heart" (the seat of emotion and will) stands for the entirety of one's inner conceit. The action of "cut off" serves as a powerful **metaphor** for severe exclusion and decisive judgment, evoking the imagery of severing a harmful limb or root to preserve the health of the whole. This vivid language emphasizes the severity of the king's commitment to purity and justice within his realm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 101:5 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's kingdom and His people are to be characterized by truth, humility, and integrity, not by malicious falsehood or self-exalting pride. David, as a king after God's own heart, reflects divine attributes by actively opposing what God Himself abhors. The Bible consistently portrays slander as a sin against both God and neighbor, stemming from a heart devoid of love and truth. Pride, conversely, is presented as the foundational sin, an idolatry of self that stands in direct opposition to God's sovereignty and grace. David's vow, therefore, is not merely a political policy but a spiritual commitment to align his earthly reign with heavenly principles, recognizing that a righteous society begins with righteous individuals and leaders who actively purge wickedness.

* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Six Things the Lord Hates")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Romans 1:29-30](/romans/1-29 "Romans 1:29-30 - Slanderers and Haters of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 101:5 serves as a timeless blueprint for personal character and leadership, extending far beyond David's ancient court. For individuals, it is a powerful call to guard our tongues and our hearts. In an age saturated with social media and instant communication, the temptation to "privily slander" through gossip, rumors, or anonymous criticism is ever-present. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of truthfulness and charity, recognizing the destructive power of words. Similarly, the warning against a "high look and a proud heart" compels us to examine our motivations, attitudes, and humility. True strength and wisdom, both personally and professionally, are found not in self-exaltation but in a humble reliance on God and a genuine regard for others. For those in positions of authority—whether in families, workplaces, communities, or churches—David's example is a stark reminder of the responsibility to foster environments where integrity flourishes and where destructive behaviors like slander and pride are not tolerated but actively addressed and, if necessary, removed. It encourages us to be discerning in whom we associate with and empower, prioritizing character over charisma or perceived utility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be guilty of "privily slandering" others, perhaps through gossip, negative assumptions, or unverified criticisms?**
* **How does a "high look and a proud heart" manifest in my own life, and what steps can I take to cultivate genuine humility?**
* **If I am in a position of leadership, how intentional am I about creating an environment where truth and humility are valued, and where slander and pride are actively discouraged?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to guard my tongue and my heart in alignment with the principles of this verse?**

### FAQ
**What does "cut off" mean in the context of David's vow?**

Answer: In this context, "cut off" (Hebrew: _karat_) signifies a decisive and complete removal or exclusion. For King David, it meant that individuals found guilty of secret slander would be expelled from his presence, his court, and any position of influence within his administration. It was a severe consequence, indicating a zero-tolerance policy for behaviors that undermined trust, justice, and the moral integrity of his kingdom. It implies a severance of relationship and privilege, rather than necessarily a literal physical cutting off, though in some biblical contexts, this term can refer to capital punishment or divine judgment leading to destruction. Here, it speaks to the king's authority to purge wickedness from his immediate sphere.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While David’s vow in Psalm 101:5 reflects his earnest desire for righteous rule, it ultimately points to the perfect and ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was imperfect and fell short of his own high standards at times. Christ, however, perfectly embodies the principles David aspired to. He is the King who never "privily slandereth" but always speaks truth in love, even when confronting sin (e.g., [John 8:44-45](/john/8-44 "John 8:44-45 - Jesus Confronts Lies")). His words bring life and healing, not defamation or destruction, as demonstrated in His refusal to condemn the woman caught in adultery while still calling her to "go, and sin no more" [John 8:11](/john/8-11 "John 8:11 - Go, and Sin No More"). Furthermore, Christ never had a "high look and a proud heart"; rather, He perfectly exemplified humility, emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")). He is the one who will truly "cut off" all wickedness from His eternal kingdom, casting out those who practice deceit and pride ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Depart, You Cursed")). His reign is one of perfect justice and absolute purity, where only those who are humble and truthful will dwell in His presence, fulfilling David's aspiration in a complete and salvific way ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Enters New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 18:27

For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.

Psalms 15:3

[He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Proverbs 30:13

[There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

Psalms 50:20

Thou sittest [and] speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

Luke 18:14

I 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.

1 Corinthians 5:11

But 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.

Titus 2:3

The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;