who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "takes up a reproach" as simply not spreading gossip, but the original wording suggests something deeper: it's about refusing to carry or bear a burden of shame against someone else. This means not only stopping a bad story from spreading, but actively choosing not to let harmful accusations take root in your own mind or heart, even if they contain a grain of truth. It’s about protecting your neighbor's honor by refusing to be a vessel for their shame.
who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is asking a profound question: "Who gets to be close to God?" It's not about religious rituals, but about the character of a person who truly walks with the Divine. The verses immediately before this establish the importance of living truthfully and acting justly, setting the stage for specific actions that reveal this inner integrity, particularly in how one treats others.
Ever feel like words can wound just as deeply as actions? This verse highlights a specific way the tongue can cause harm, revealing a deeper spiritual principle.
The verse speaks of one who 'does not slander with his tongue.' The original Hebrew language paints a vivid picture here, suggesting the idea of 'footing' or 'treading' upon one's tongue, not to control it, but to use it to walk all over someone else. It's about circulating harmful gossip, speaking ill of others, and intentionally damaging their reputation behind their back. This isn't just idle chatter; it's an active, destructive force that can ruin lives and relationships. The commentator's insight that this is like a cowardly dog biting the back of someone who isn't present really captures the essence of this destructive behavior.
The verse doesn't just stop at what we say. It extends to what we do. What does it truly mean to 'do no evil' to those around us?
The psalmist moves from the tongue to actions, stating one 'does no evil to his neighbor.' This 'neighbor' isn't just someone living next door; it encompasses anyone we encounter in life, even strangers or those of different backgrounds. The command is broad: no harm, no injury, no wrong. This means more than just avoiding outright malicious acts. It’s about actively abstaining from any action that would hurt another, whether in their person, property, or reputation. It’s a commitment to treating everyone with a fundamental respect and justice, recognizing their inherent worth as created by God.
Ask a follow-up
What do you do when you hear something negative about someone else? This verse offers a counter-cultural approach that honors God.
The final phrase, 'nor takes up a reproach against his friend' (or 'neighbor' in some translations), is particularly insightful. It doesn't just mean not originating a reproach, but actively choosing not to pick it up or give it currency. Imagine a story or rumor being passed to you – the good person doesn't grab onto it, amplify it, or treat it as fact. The original language hints at not bearing or entertaining the reproach, showing a discernment that prevents the spread of slander. It’s about being a 'news quarantine zone,' not allowing negativity to infect your own speech or thoughts about another. This guard against reproach protects both the reputation of the accused and the integrity of the one hearing.
Understand the original words
ragal · Hebrew Verb
The act of backbiting, spreading malicious gossip, or using one's speech to injure the reputation or character of another.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A general term for moral wrongdoing, wickedness, or actions that are harmful and contrary to God's law and the well-being of others.
cherpah · Hebrew Noun
A disgrace, a taunt, or a shameful accusation; in this context, it refers to receiving or validating a false or damaging report against a peer.
This passage directly addresses the destructive power of the tongue, paralleling Psalm 15:3's concern with slander and emphasizing the difficulty of controlling what is often a small, yet potent, force.
Proverbs 11:13This verse speaks of the trustworthiness of someone who keeps a secret, which strongly relates to Psalm 15:3's prohibition against spreading slander or reproach.
Leviticus 19:16This Old Testament law explicitly commands, 'You shall not go about spreading slander among your people,' directly reflecting the prohibition against backbiting in Psalm 15:3.
Matthew 5:43-44Jesus' teaching to 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' expands the concept of not doing evil to a neighbor to a radical level of active good will, providing a higher standard that encompasses the prohibitions in Psalm 15:3.
Romans 12:14Paul's instruction to 'bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse' echoes the spirit of Psalm 15:3 by calling believers to counteract negative speech and actions with positive ones.
clarkePsalms 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 not with his tongue - לא רגל על לשנו lo ragal al leshono, "he foots not upon his tongue." 4. He is one who treats his neighbor with respect. He says nothing that might injure him in his character, person, or property; he forgets no calumny, he is author of no slander, he insinuates nothing by which his neighbor may be injured. The tongue, be…
poolePsalms 15:3: "He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour."
He doth not take away or diminish his neighbour’s good name, either by denying him his due praises, or by laying any thing to his charge falsely, or without sufficient cause and evidence; nor doeth evil, i.e. any hurt or injury, to his neighbour, i.e. to any man; as is evident, 1. From the nature of this precept, which reacheth to all, it being plain and certai…
It's easy to read "takes up a reproach" as simply not spreading gossip, but the original wording suggests something deeper: it's about refusing to carry or bear a burden of shame against someone else. This means not only stopping a bad story from spreading, but actively choosing not to let harmful accusations take root in your own mind or heart, even if they contain a grain of truth. It’s about protecting your neighbor's honor by refusing to be a vessel for their shame.
This psalm is asking a profound question: "Who gets to be close to God?" It's not about religious rituals, but about the character of a person who truly walks with the Divine. The verses immediately before this establish the importance of living truthfully and acting justly, setting the stage for specific actions that reveal this inner integrity, particularly in how one treats others.
This psalm is asking a profound question: "Who gets to be close to God?" It's not about religious rituals, but about the character of a person who truly walks with the Divine. The verses immediately before this establish the importance of living truthfully and acting justly, setting the stage for specific actions that reveal this inner integrity, particularly in how one treats others.
"who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;" — It's easy to read "takes up a reproach" as simply not spreading gossip, but the original wording suggests something deeper: it's about refusing to carry or bear a burden of shame against someone…
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Last reviewed October 2026