Psalms 15:3

KJV

[He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that backbiteth {H7270} not with his tongue {H3956}, nor doeth {H6213} evil {H7451} to his neighbour {H7453}, nor taketh up {H5375} a reproach {H2781} against his neighbour {H7138}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and keep their tongues from slander; who never do harm to others or seek to discredit neighbors;

Berean Standard Bible

who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,

American Standard Version

He that slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 15:3 delineates specific ethical and relational behaviors that characterize an individual deemed worthy of dwelling in God's holy presence. It emphasizes the critical importance of integrity in speech, prohibiting slander and the spreading of dishonor, alongside a fundamental call to refrain from actively harming one's neighbor. This verse, therefore, serves as a vital component in the psalm's broader description of true righteousness, highlighting that genuine spiritual communion is intrinsically linked to one's conduct within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 15 is an "entrance psalm," opening with a profound question: "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" (/psalms/15-1 "Psalm 15:1 - The Question of Dwelling with God"). The subsequent verses, including verse 3, provide a list of moral and ethical qualifications, effectively answering this query. This psalm functions as a liturgical guide, perhaps used by pilgrims approaching the temple or by individuals seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to truly walk with God. It parallels other psalms like [Psalm 24](/psalms/24 "Psalm 24 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?"), which also outlines the character of those permitted to approach the divine, emphasizing clean hands and a pure heart. The list of virtues in Psalm 15 is not exhaustive but represents core principles of covenant faithfulness and righteous living, setting a high standard for those who desire intimate fellowship with a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, reputation and community standing were paramount. The tabernacle, and later the temple, served as the central place of worship and the perceived dwelling place of God. Approaching such a sacred space was not taken lightly; it required ritual purity and moral uprightness. The emphasis on speech ("backbiteth not with his tongue," "taketh up a reproach") reflects a societal context where oral communication was the primary means of information exchange, and a person's honor could be easily damaged by false accusations or gossip. Doing "evil to his neighbour" (`ra'`) encompassed a broad range of harmful actions, from physical violence to economic exploitation, all of which violated the communal bonds essential for a thriving society and the Mosaic Law's commands regarding interpersonal justice, as seen in [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment") and [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor").
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 15:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **holiness and access to God**, positing that moral character is a prerequisite for genuine communion with the divine. Secondly, it highlights **the power of the tongue** and the ethical responsibility of speech, a theme echoed throughout wisdom literature, particularly in [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living"). The destructive nature of slander and gossip is a recurring warning. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **importance of communal ethics and love for neighbor**, a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law and a central tenet of biblical righteousness. The call to "doeth not evil to his neighbour" is a negative injunction that implies a positive obligation to act beneficently and justly towards others, reflecting the spirit of the entire law as summarized in [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Backbiteth (Hebrew, _rāgal'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "foot," literally implies "to go about as a slanderer" or "to spy." It conveys the idea of malicious gossip, spreading rumors, or secretly undermining someone's reputation. It suggests a deliberate, often clandestine, act of defamation that seeks to harm another person's standing or character.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** A broad term encompassing moral wickedness, harm, injury, or misfortune. In this context, "nor doeth evil to his neighbour" refers to any act of malice, injustice, or physical/emotional harm. It is a comprehensive prohibition against any behavior that would intentionally cause detriment or suffering to another person.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _ḥerpâh'_):** This term signifies disgrace, scorn, insult, or taunt. "Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour" means not to accept, believe, spread, or endorse dishonoring remarks or false accusations against another. It speaks to protecting one's neighbor's honor and refusing to participate in their public shaming or defamation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[He that] backbiteth not with his tongue":** This clause sets the initial standard for righteous speech. It condemns the act of slandering or gossiping about others, especially when they are not present to defend themselves. It speaks to the integrity of one's words, emphasizing that a person fit for God's presence refrains from using their tongue to malign or undermine others.
* **"nor doeth evil to his neighbour":** This expands the scope from speech to action, prohibiting any form of active harm or malice towards one's fellow human being. "Neighbour" in the biblical sense extends beyond immediate acquaintances to anyone within one's sphere of influence, encompassing a broad ethical mandate to refrain from causing any physical, emotional, or social detriment.
* **"nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour":** This final clause complements the first, focusing on the reception and propagation of negative information. It means not to give credence to, repeat, or spread dishonoring or false accusations about another person. It calls for discernment and a protective stance towards one's neighbor's reputation, refusing to participate in their public shaming or the perpetuation of harmful narratives.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 15:3 primarily employs **Negative Commands** or **Prohibitions** to define positive character. By stating what the righteous person *does not* do ("backbiteth not," "nor doeth evil," "nor taketh up a reproach"), the psalm effectively delineates the boundaries of acceptable behavior and, by implication, the virtues that should be present. This use of negation serves to highlight the specific vices that are antithetical to dwelling in God's presence, making the ethical requirements clear and unambiguous. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Parallelism** in the structure, with each clause presenting a distinct but related ethical injunction concerning one's relationship with their neighbor, particularly focusing on the integrity of speech and action. The progression from active slander ("backbiteth") to active harm ("doeth evil") and finally to passive participation in defamation ("taketh up a reproach") creates a comprehensive ethical framework.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 15:3 profoundly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on the inseparability of true worship and ethical living. The qualities listed are not merely external behaviors but indicators of a heart transformed and aligned with God's own character of righteousness and love. The integrity of speech and action towards one's neighbor is presented as a fundamental expression of one's relationship with God. This verse underscores the theological truth that genuine piety is not confined to ritual observance but permeates every aspect of daily life, particularly in how we treat those around us. It anticipates the New Testament's emphasis on love for neighbor as a fulfillment of the law and a demonstration of authentic faith, revealing that a holy God desires holy people who reflect His character in their interactions.

* [Proverbs 10:18](/proverbs/10-18 "Proverbs 10:18 - The Deceitful Tongue")
* [James 3:6](/james/3-6 "James 3:6 - The Destructive Power of the Tongue")
* [Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 15:3 offers a timeless blueprint for cultivating a life that honors God and blesses others, particularly relevant in our interconnected world. It challenges us to scrutinize not only our overt actions but also the subtle ways we engage with information and reputation. In an era dominated by digital communication, the temptation to "backbite" through anonymous comments, or to "take up a reproach" by sharing unverified rumors, is amplified. This verse calls us to a higher standard: to be guardians of truth, protectors of reputation, and agents of kindness. It compels us to consider how our words and deeds impact our community and, ultimately, our standing before a holy God. Living out this verse means actively choosing to build up rather than tear down, to speak life rather than death, and to extend grace rather than judgment, fostering environments of trust and respect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be "backbiting" with my tongue, either in person or online, without fully realizing the impact?**
* **How can I be more intentional about "doing good" to my neighbor, especially those who are not within my immediate circle of friends or family?**
* **What steps can I take to avoid "taking up a reproach" against others, particularly when I hear negative information that has not been verified?**
* **How does guarding my tongue and actions reflect my desire to draw closer to God and live a life pleasing to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "backbiteth not with his tongue" truly mean in modern terms?**

Answer: In modern terms, "backbiteth not with his tongue" means refraining from gossip, slander, and malicious talk about others, especially when they are not present to defend themselves. It encompasses spreading rumors, speaking ill of someone's character or actions behind their back, or engaging in any form of communication that seeks to undermine or damage another person's reputation. This applies to both verbal conversations and written forms of communication, including social media posts, emails, or text messages. It's about exercising self-control and integrity in all forms of speech, recognizing the immense power of words to either build up or tear down, as highlighted in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue").

**Who is considered "my neighbour" in this verse, and how broadly should I apply it?**

Answer: The concept of "neighbour" in biblical teaching, particularly as understood in the New Testament, is expansive. While it certainly includes those physically close to you (family, friends, community members), Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan in [Luke 10:29-37](/luke/10-29 "Luke 10:29 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan") dramatically broadens the definition to include anyone in need, regardless of their social, ethnic, or religious background. Therefore, "neighbour" in Psalm 15:3 should be applied broadly to any fellow human being with whom you interact or whose well-being you can affect. It calls for a universal ethic of respect, kindness, and non-harm towards all people, reflecting the divine command to love others as ourselves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 15:3 outlines the character of one qualified to dwell with God, it ultimately points to Christ as the perfect embodiment and fulfiller of these righteous standards. Jesus perfectly "backbiteth not with his tongue"; His words were always pure, truthful, and life-giving, even in the face of immense provocation, as seen in [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering"). He never "did evil to his neighbour" but rather went about doing good, healing, and serving, culminating in the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). Furthermore, Jesus never "took up a reproach against his neighbour" but instead bore the reproaches of others, enduring false accusations and unjust condemnation without retaliation, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for Your House"). In Christ, we see the perfect human who fully met the demands of God's holiness. More profoundly, through His atoning work, He enables us, by His Spirit, to increasingly live out these very qualities. Our ability to "dwell in God's holy hill" is not earned by perfectly fulfilling these demands ourselves, but is granted through faith in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled them on our behalf, and who empowers us to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 13:10

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.

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.

Psalms 101:8

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

Matthew 7:12

¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

James 4:11

¶ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

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.

3 John 1:11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.