Psalm 15:3
“He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 15Meaning
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.
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.
Read carefully
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.
Reflection
Use this verse for self-examination before God, not as a checklist for declaring other people unworthy of worship, dignity, safety, or care.