What is the meaning of Psalm 101:5? Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret • Scripture paints slander as a serious sin, never a harmless pastime. Leviticus 19:16 warns, “You must not go about spreading slander among your people,” and Psalm 15:1-3 ties fellowship with God to refusing to “slander with his tongue.” • “Neighbor” is everyone within reach of our words—family, coworkers, brothers and sisters in Christ, even online acquaintances (Luke 10:29-37). God’s standard leaves no room for selective love. • “In secret” exposes the stealthy nature of gossip. Proverbs 10:18 links hidden slander with hatred, reminding us that whispering behind a back is never neutral—it wounds reputations and divides communities (James 3:5-6). I will put to silence • David, writing as king, vows to muzzle destructive speech in his realm. The same spirit shows up in Psalm 12:3, “May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things.” • God Himself acts against slanderers; 1 Corinthians 4:5 promises He “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness,” and Matthew 12:36 notes that “men will give account for every careless word.” • Practically, silencing gossip can look like: – Refusing to listen (Proverbs 26:20). – Redirecting the conversation to edifying talk (Ephesians 4:29). – Seeking reconciliation rather than rumor (Matthew 18:15). the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart • Pride corrupts both outlook (“haughty eyes”) and inner attitude (“proud heart”). Proverbs 21:4 calls these very traits “sin.” • God repeatedly targets pride: “The LORD detests all the proud of heart” (Proverbs 16:5). James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 underline that He “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Haughty eyes look down on others, while a proud heart sets self on the throne. Luke 18:9-14 contrasts the Pharisee’s arrogance with the tax collector’s humility, showing which one goes home justified. I will not endure • David refuses fellowship or partnership with the arrogant. Psalm 101:7 continues, “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house.” Leadership in God’s people demands moral boundaries. • The Lord likewise draws a line: Isaiah 57:15 reveals He dwells “with the contrite and humble in spirit,” not the unrepentantly proud. • For the believer, “I will not endure” becomes a personal commitment to: – Guard friendships and influences (1 Corinthians 15:33). – Cultivate humility through regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). – Submit to God’s word so pride has no foothold (Psalm 119:11). summary Psalm 101:5 shows a double target—secret slander and open pride—and a double response—silencing and non-tolerance. Godly leadership, whether in a home, church, or nation, protects people’s reputations and resists arrogance. The verse calls every believer to watch the tongue, guard the heart, and align with the Lord, who cherishes truth and humility. |
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