תהלים, פרק ל״ח, פסוק ט״ו

Facing hostile opponents does not always require a loud and aggressive struggle. Sometimes, the most profound response is a conscious choice to remain completely silent and ignore the provocation. The primary approach among commentators is that the psalmist is not actually deaf to the insults directed at him. He hears everything clearly but willingly chooses to act like a person who cannot hear. He makes a firm decision not to pay attention to their taunts and not to offer them any reply [אבן עזרא, אלשיך, מלבי״ם].

This deliberate avoidance takes several forms. He might present himself as someone who simply does not comprehend what is being said [מצודת דוד], or even act as though he does not speak the language of his attackers [אבן עזרא]. This behavior extends to a complete lack of verbal response, acting like a person who has no counterclaims to offer. Such claims are generally understood as debate points meant to answer the enemies [מאירי, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, they can be viewed as statements intended to prove his own innocence, or simply as words of scolding [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The power of this reaction lies in immense self-control. Even though he is perfectly capable of speaking and possesses plenty of valid arguments to counter and rebuke his rivals, he actively suppresses the urge to react. He chooses to stay quiet and allows himself to look like someone who has absolutely nothing to say [אלשיך, מלבי״ם].