But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
David made a deliberate decision not to answer, conducting himself as though unable to hear and unwilling to speak. He took the posture of a deaf man who does not hear, shutting his ear to what was said against him. At the same time he took the posture of a mute man who does not open his mouth, refusing to offer any reply.
The verse therefore counsels disregarding reports rather than attending to them or answering them back. Those who stand as God's watchmen are to keep their own counsel instead of being drawn into controversy over such reports. Their work is to press forward in bearing the message entrusted to them while leaving the reports unanswered.
David made a deliberate decision not to answer, conducting himself as though unable to hear and unwilling to speak. He took the posture of a deaf man who does not hear, shutting his ear to what was said against him. At the same time he took the posture of a mute man who does not open his mouth, refusing to offer any reply.
The verse therefore counsels disregarding reports rather than attending to them or answering them back. Those who stand as God's watchmen are to keep their own counsel instead of being drawn into controversy over such reports. Their work is to press forward in bearing the message entrusted to them while leaving the reports unanswered.