What does Psalm 5:5 mean?

According to this verse, the boastful will not stand in God's presence. Those who praise themselves instead of God will not stand in God's presence. Psalm 1:5 mentions this fact too. It says, "the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." Absalom, whom David was fleeing, was boastful and arrogant (2 Samuel 15:1–6).

Second Samuel 15:4 reports that he would say, "Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice." Jesus told the story of a proud Pharisee who went to the temple and boasted about his self-righteousness but was rejected by God (Luke 18:9–14). Jesus said, "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled" (Luke 18:14).

Scripture tells us God hates all evildoers (see also Psalm 11:5). The word "hate" may seem harsh, but we must try to understand how abhorrent evil is in God's eyes. Murderers, liars, and deceivers such as those who wanted to destroy David are totally detestable to God and therefore merit His righteous, holy hatred.