Psalms 15:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 15:3
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Chapter Context
Psalms 15 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, love, prayer. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 15:3
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Analysis
This verse describes the righteous person's speech ethics: no slander ('ragal' - going about as a talebearer), no evil to a neighbor, and no reproach against friends. The Hebrew 'ragal' literally means 'to go about on foot as a spy,' indicating gossip. James 3 echoes this teaching about the tongue's destructive power. Reformed ethics sees speech as covenant faithfulness—our words should build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
Historical Context
Written as wisdom for those dwelling in God's presence (Psalm 15:1). Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature consistently condemned slander as socially destructive.
Reflection
- How carefully do you guard against participating in gossip or slander?
- In what ways do your words build up your neighbors rather than tear them down?
Cross-References
- Evil: Isaiah 56:2, Romans 1:30, James 4:11, 3 John 1:11
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 22:10, 25:3, Matthew 7:12, Romans 13:10