Psalms 15:3
He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Main message
Psalm 15:3: Refusing slander, harm to a neighbor, and reproach makes speech ethics part of holiness; the verse does not require silence about abuse, crime, or wrongdoing.
Meaning in context
Psalm 15:2–3 · Integrity in conduct, speech, and neighbor-love — Verses 2–3 join upright conduct, righteousness, inward truth, disciplined speech, and care for one’s neighbor; integrity is both inward and relational.
Refusing slander, harm to a neighbor, and reproach makes speech ethics part of holiness; the verse does not require silence about abuse, crime, or wrongdoing.
Further teachings
Integrity in conduct, speech, and neighbor-love
Refusing slander, harm to a neighbor, and reproach makes speech ethics part of holiness; the verse does not require silence about abuse, crime, or wrongdoing.
Cross References: Psalm 15:3 — Psalm 15:2–3.
Applications in daily life
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Psalm 15:3
Use this verse for self-examination before God, not as a checklist for declaring other people unworthy of worship, dignity, safety, or care.
The prohibition of slander and reproach does not require suppressing truthful testimony, whistleblowing, reporting abuse, reporting crime, or legitimate criticism intended to protect people.
Related Bible passages and resources
- Psalm 15 (complete chapter)
Read the whole psalm before isolating one verse.
- Psalm 15:2
Read the previous line to preserve the local movement.
- Psalm 15:4
Continue with the next line to preserve the local movement.
- Study the Book of Psalms
Place Psalm 15 within the Psalter’s concern for integrity, truthful speech, neighbor-love, costly fidelity, and economic justice before God.
Common misreadings
The prohibition of slander and reproach does not require suppressing truthful testimony, whistleblowing, reporting abuse, reporting crime, or legitimate criticism intended to protect people.
Refusing slander, harm to a neighbor, and reproach makes speech ethics part of holiness; the verse does not require silence about abuse, crime, or wrongdoing. Keep the verse within its literary unit.
How to Apply Psalms 15:3
Meditate on Psalms 15:3 by reading it aloud each morning this week. Ask yourself how its message from Scripture applies to a current challenge you are facing. Write one specific step you will take today in response to its truth — and revisit that commitment at the end of the week.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
Commentary anchored to the site’s public-domain Psalm 15 text.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: