Psalms 15:3 - Exposition

He that backbiteth not with his tongue . Among the negative virtues the first place is given to the observance of the ninth commandment, probably because to err in this respect is so very common a fault (see Jeremiah 6:28 ; Jeremiah 9:4 ; James 3:5-8 ). Nor doeth evil to his neighbour; rather, to his friend , or his companion —a different word from that used at the end of the verse, and implying greater intimacy. There is special wickedness in injuring one with whom we are intimate. Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour . The good man does not, even when it is true, spread an ill report concerning his neighbour. He prefers to keep silence, and let the report die out (see Exodus 33:1 ).