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.
Main message
Psalm 101:5 rejects secret slander and arrogant contempt.
Meaning in context
Psalm 101:5–8 · Truthful and accountable leadership — The closing rejects slander, arrogance, deceit, and corrupt administration while valuing faithful people and framing justice as a public responsibility.
The ruler refuses hidden attacks on neighbors and pride that looks down on others. This concerns accountable speech and character in leadership, not suppression of legitimate criticism or dissent.
Further teachings
Slander and arrogance corrupt community
Just leadership rejects both secret defamation and contemptuous pride.
Cross References: Psalm 101:5.
Applications in daily life
- 1
When criticism becomes personal attack
Separate evidence-based criticism from rumor, humiliation, and character assassination.
Do not use this verse to silence whistleblowers, victims, journalists, or legitimate critics.
Related Bible passages and resources
Common misreadings
Rejecting slander permits leaders to silence criticism.
Slander is not the same as evidence-based criticism, reporting abuse, whistleblowing, journalism, or legitimate dissent.
Related Verses
- Exodus 20:16
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
- Leviticus 19:16
“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.”
- Proverbs 10:18
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”
- Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
- Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
Related Topics
How to Apply Psalms 101:5
Meditate on Psalms 101:5 by reading it aloud each morning this week. Ask yourself how its message on the theme of Slander in the Bible applies to a current challenge you are facing. Write one specific step you will take today in response to its truth — and revisit that commitment at the end of the week.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
Psalm 101:5 (en).
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: