Psalms 15:3

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

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}.

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

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

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

Psalm 15 describes the character of one who is qualified to dwell in God's presence, often seen as a spiritual blueprint for righteous living. Verse 3 specifically focuses on the integrity of a person's speech and actions concerning their neighbor, outlining key behaviors that reflect a heart aligned with God's standards.

Context

Psalm 15 is often considered an "entrance psalm" or "liturgical psalm," posing the question, "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1). The verses that follow, including verse 3, provide a list of moral and ethical qualities. These qualities are not merely external observances but reflections of an inner righteousness that enables one to have a close relationship with God. The setting implies a desire for spiritual communion and draws a clear connection between one's conduct and their ability to genuinely approach the divine.

Key Themes

  • Integrity in Speech: The verse strongly emphasizes the power of the tongue. "He that backbiteth not with his tongue" condemns slander and gossip – speaking ill of others behind their back. This is complemented by "nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour," which means not spreading, believing, or endorsing false accusations or dishonoring remarks. A righteous person protects their neighbor's reputation and does not participate in destructive talk.
  • Love for Neighbor: The phrase "nor doeth evil to his neighbour" is a fundamental ethical principle. It encompasses any act of malice, injustice, or harm, whether physical, emotional, or financial. This directly reflects the biblical command to love your neighbor as yourself and embodies the spirit of the Golden Rule.
  • Moral Purity and Righteousness: These specific actions (or inactions) contribute to the overall portrait of a blameless and upright individual. The qualities listed in Psalm 15 collectively describe a person whose character reflects God's own righteousness, making them suitable for fellowship with a holy God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "backbiteth" is ragal (רָגַל), which literally means to "go about as a slanderer" or "spy," implying deliberate and malicious gossip. The term "reproach" (Hebrew: cherpah, חֶרְפָּה) signifies disgrace, scorn, or taunt, highlighting the destructive nature of spreading dishonor or false accusations against another person.

Practical Application

Psalm 15:3 remains profoundly relevant today. In an age of instant communication and social media, the temptation to engage in "backbiting" or "taking up a reproach" is amplified. This verse calls believers to:

  • Guard Your Tongue: Be mindful of what you say about others, especially when they are not present. Avoid gossip, slander, and negative speculation. As James 1:26 reminds us, controlling the tongue is vital to true religion.
  • Act with Kindness: Actively seek to do good to your neighbor, understanding that "neighbor" extends beyond immediate friends and family to anyone in your sphere of influence. This aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on love fulfilling the law.
  • Exercise Discernment: Do not readily believe or spread negative information about others. Seek to verify facts and give others the benefit of the doubt, protecting their reputation as you would your own.
Living out this verse cultivates trust, fosters healthy relationships, and demonstrates a genuine desire to walk in holiness before God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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