Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
David here sets down what kind of king he means to be once God plants him on the throne. To sing of mercy and judgment is to declare solemnly that he will rule with both justice and compassion, not as a tyrant or a fool. This psalm is his meditation and his vow.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 101:1-8
Whose privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off. He had known so bitterly the miseries caused by slanderers that he intended to deal severely with such vipers when he came into power, not to revenge his own ills, but to prevent others from suffering as he had done.
David paints the picture of a magistrate and householder both rightly ordered. God's dealings mix mercy and judgment like April's rain and sun; we must sing of both, thankful in prosperity and sorrowful times alike, for either way we give Him glory.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 101:1-8