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 salvation, love, wisdom. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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