Psalms 101:5

Verse

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 (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

I will put to death anyone who says evil of his neighbour secretly; the man with a high look and a heart of pride is disgusting to me.

Free Bible Version

I will silence anyone who secretly slanders their neighbor. I won't tolerate anyone who is proud and arrogant.

Geneva Bible 1599

Him that priuily slandereth his neighbour, wil I destroy: him that hath a proude looke and hie heart, I cannot suffer.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

One Unity Resource Bible

I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I won’t tolerate one who is haughty and conceited.

Translation for Translators

I will get rid of anyone who secretly slanders someone else, and I will not ◄tolerate/allow to be near me► anyone who is proud and arrogant [DOU].

Unlocked Literal Bible

I will destroy whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I will not tolerate anyone who has a proud demeanor and an arrogant attitude.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I won’t tolerate one who is arrogant and conceited.

Young's Literal Translation

Whoso slandereth in secret his neighbour, Him I cut off, The high of eyes and proud of heart, him I endure not.

Context

I Will Set No Worthless Thing before My Eyes

⁴A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil. ⁵Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. ⁶My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me.

Sermons

Step 10 on Slander or Calumny.

St. John Climacus

1 Corinthians 16:10

St. John Chrysostom

Summary

In this verse, the psalmist expresses a commitment to deal with those who have a secret slanderous tongue. It reflects a desire for integrity and righteousness in leadership, promising to silence those who speak against others in a deceitful manner. The psalmist's resolve to address such behavior demonstrates a dedication to upholding justice and truth. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of using words wisely and refraining from spreading falsehoods or malicious gossip. It also highlights the value of maintaining a blameless and upright character in all dealings.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

The slanderers and haughty persons, so mischievous in society, I will disown; but--

John Gill Bible Commentary

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off,.... That raises and spreads a false report of him; that insinuates evil things of him; that brings false charges and accusations against him, in a private manner, when he has no opportunity to defend himself: such an one David threatens to cut off from his presence, as Kimchi interprets it; from all communion and conversation with him; and yet he listened to the slanders of Ziba against Mephibosheth: but Christ, who knows the hearts and the secret actions of men, will reject and cut off all persons of such a character: the Targum is, "he that speaketh with a triple tongue against his neighbour, him will I destroy, and he shall be smitten with the leprosy:'' a slandering tongue is called a triple tongue with the Jews (m), because, as they say, it kills three persons; him that carries the slander, him that receives it, and him of whom it is related; see the Apocrypha: "Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.'' (Sirach 28:16) him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer; or, "I cannot" (n); that is, cannot bear him in my presence and company; cannot look upon him with any pleasure and delight: the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and the Oriental versions, render it, "with him I will not eat": have no familiarity or acquaintance with him; see Co1 5:11, such who looked above others, and with contempt upon them, whose hearts were large, as the word (o) signifies, were ambitious and insatiable, and never had enough of riches and honour; such were very contrary to David's character, and could never be agreeable to him, Psa 121:1, as the proud and haughty Pharisees were not to Christ, Luk 18:9, and the man of sin that exalts himself above all that is called God, that little horn, whose look is more stout than his fellows, Th2 2:4. (m) T. Bab. Erahin, fol. 15. 2. Vide Targum Jon. in Deut. 27. 4. (n) "non potero", Pagninus, Montanus, Gejerus; "ferre", Musculus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Michaelis. (o) "vastum corde", Montanus; "latum corde", Vatablus, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis.