Psalms 101:5

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

Psalms 101:5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 101:5

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off,
&c.] 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 F13, 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" F14; 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 ( 1 Corinthians 5:11 ) , such who looked above others, and with contempt upon them, whose hearts were large, as the word F15 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, ( Psalms 121:1 Psalms 121:2 ) , as the proud and haughty Pharisees were not to Christ, ( Luke 18:9-14 ) , 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, ( 2 Thessalonians 2:4 2 Thessalonians 2:8 ) ( Daniel 7:20 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F13 T. Bab. Erahin, fol. 15. 2. Vide Targum Jon. in Deut. 27. 4.
F14 (lkwa al) "non potero", Pagninus, Montanus, Gejerus; "ferre", Musculus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Michaelis.
F15 (bbl bxr) "vastum corde", Montanus; "latum corde", Vatablus, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Psalms 101:5 In-Context

3 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.
4 I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.
5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.
6 I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
7 I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.
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