Verse 3
3. The remaining verses of the psalm describe the character inquired after (Psalms 15:1) in its conduct toward others.
Backbiteth not The word rendered “backbiteth,” radically means to go about, walk, wander, for whatever purpose, and hence as talebearer, slanderer. By the law of God, and the judgment of mankind, a most cowardly, despicable, and pernicious practice, and yet how common! Exodus 23:1; Leviticus 19:16. Our English version of the latter passage brings out the full idea: “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer.”
Evil The term is generic any thing that works injury.
Neighbour That is, another, whoever he may be, any member of the human family. The word also denotes friend, companion, fellow.
Taketh up a reproach To “take up a reproach” is to repeat it.
Against his neighbour The word here rendered “neighbour” is different from that in the previous line, and means one who is nigh, either by residence, friendship, or blood relationship. Talebearing and slanderous gossip are proverbially neighbourhood nuisances and Church scandals.
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