Psalm 15 3

Psalm 15:3 kjv

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

Psalm 15:3 nkjv

He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;

Psalm 15:3 niv

whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

Psalm 15:3 esv

who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

Psalm 15:3 nlt

Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.

Psalm 15 verses

Psalm 15 3 Meaning

Psalm 15:3 describes characteristics of a person who is fit to dwell in God's presence, focusing on ethical conduct regarding speech and actions towards others. It portrays someone who refrains from malicious or false communication, avoids doing harm to anyone in their community, and refuses to participate in or circulate negative remarks that undermine another's reputation, especially among those they are close to. This verse emphasizes the integrity of one's word and deeds in relational harmony.

Psalm 15 3 Context

Psalm 15 serves as an "entrance liturgy" or catechesis for those seeking to approach God's sanctuary. The opening verse asks, "O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?" (Ps 15:1). The subsequent verses (Ps 15:2-5) provide a list of ethical and moral qualifications. It shifts the focus from ceremonial purity to a heart-level, relational integrity. Historically and culturally, the temple or tabernacle was the perceived dwelling place of God, representing His immediate presence. To "dwell" or "sojourn" there implied intimacy and acceptance by God, signifying a righteous standing. This psalm emphasizes that true worship extends beyond ritual; it encompasses daily conduct and the purity of one's relationships. In a communal society where reputation and testimony held great weight, maintaining one's character and respecting that of others was paramount. This verse stands against prevalent practices of gossip and malice that could fracture social cohesion.

Psalm 15 3 Word analysis

• who does not slander: The Hebrew word for "slander" is derived from rāḡal (רגל), meaning "to go about as a slanderer," "to spy," or "to circulate malicious reports." It implies an active, often stealthy, spreading of derogatory or false information intended to harm another's reputation. It’s a deliberate act of character assassination. Its root connection to "foot" suggests someone who "goes around" with harmful intentions.
• with his tongue: Hebrew: bilšōnô (בלשנו), literally "with his tongue." This highlights the direct instrument used for slander, emphasizing the conscious choice and power of the speaker's words. The tongue, though small, wields immense power for good or ill.
• and does no evil: Hebrew: rāʿâ (רָעָה), encompassing "evil," "harm," "trouble," or "misfortune." This broad term moves beyond mere speech to concrete actions. A righteous person refrains from all forms of injurious behavior, whether physical, financial, or emotional, towards their fellow human beings.
• to his neighbor: Hebrew: rēʿaʿ (רֵעַ), meaning "companion," "friend," or broadly "fellow man." This term indicates a general relationship of community members, extending the standard of ethical behavior to anyone one interacts with, not just immediate family or friends. It underlines the universal scope of the commandment to do no harm.
• nor takes up a reproach: Hebrew: nāśāʾ ḥerpâ (נָשָׂא חֶרְפָּה). nāśāʾ means "to lift," "to carry," or "to bear," and ḥerpâ means "reproach," "disgrace," "shame," or "slander." This phrase is often interpreted as not giving credence to, repeating, or spreading a derogatory or shameful report about another, even if one hears it. It can also mean not to "bear" or "inflict" such a reproach. The implication is active refusal to participate in the spread of disrepute.
• against his friend: Hebrew: qārōḇ (קרוב), which translates to "close," "near," or "relative," often referring to a close friend or kinsman. This specifies that even within trusted circles, one must guard against the misuse of information or spreading of damaging reports. It highlights a loyalty that preserves personal bonds rather than undermining them.

Words-group analysis

• "who does not slander with his tongue": This clause directly targets malicious speech, setting a standard for control over one's verbal output, ensuring it is not used to damage others. It's about self-restraint from initiating destructive gossip or lies.
• "and does no evil to his neighbor": This expands the ethical conduct beyond mere words to tangible actions. It covers all forms of harm or wrong-doing that a person might inflict upon anyone in their community, emphasizing holistic righteous living.
• "nor takes up a reproach against his friend": This deepens the prohibition against harmful communication. It's not only about refraining from originating slander, but also about actively refusing to participate in its perpetuation, by not picking up or giving air to dishonorable words or accusations, particularly when they concern someone with whom one has a close relationship.

Psalm 15 3 Bonus section

The qualities listed in Psalm 15, including verse 3, paint a picture of internal integrity reflected in external actions. It contrasts sharply with pagan conceptions of deity that might accept ritual without requiring ethical transformation. This Psalm posits that true worshipers of Yahweh must embody His moral attributes. The emphasis on the tongue, in particular, finds resonance throughout the wisdom literature of Proverbs and the New Testament's warnings, especially from James, regarding its destructive potential if not tamed by the Spirit. The ethical standards here anticipate the broader love commandments articulated in the Torah ("love your neighbor as yourself") and perfectly fulfilled in Christ's teachings, signifying that the "law of love" is a core criterion for those who would enter into the presence of God. This verse reveals that entry into God's holy presence is less about human merit than about walking in accordance with God's holy character, which He Himself empowers.

Psalm 15 3 Commentary

Psalm 15:3 delineates critical ethical requirements for genuine relationship with God. It moves from general speech (does not slander with his tongue), to broad actions (does no evil to his neighbor), and then specifically to the handling of reputation concerning those closest (nor takes up a reproach against his friend). This progression underscores the depth and breadth of a righteous character: it’s about internal purity manifesting in external conduct. The individual truly seeking God avoids verbal and active malice, exhibiting integrity in all social spheres. Such a person prioritizes the good and reputation of others, upholding truth and love as foundational principles. It illustrates that spiritual devotion is inseparable from relational integrity and moral excellence. For example, a person dwelling with God would refuse to listen to or repeat rumors about a colleague, or stand up against falsehoods being spread about a friend, or consistently choose honesty over deceit in all interactions, thereby safeguarding their neighbor's good name and well-being.