At Psalm 15:3, the next quality of the spiritually strong person is one who does not "take up a reproach against his neighbor." To "take up" means to "receive." "Reproach" refers to a person's faults, or sins, which bring dishonor to reputations, groups, and organizations.
If I am understanding correctly, the psalmist is highlighting the error of heeding, believing, and even distributing the faults of another. I believe this to be contextually in line with the idea of receiving and redistributing slander.
As we have previously noted, slander (lies) are often spread out of envy, selfishness, and/or ignorance.
Never in the history of man have we had more information at our fingertips, before our eyes, and at rapid speed.
The same research that might have taken our forefathers weeks might only take us hours. The same questions that might have required hours for our forefathers to answer might only take us minutes or seconds. However, with this vast and rapid access to information also comes vast and rapid access to FALSE information.
So many today are duped by "news" articles filled with lies and political bias. Instead of the truth of the matter, we often take these "news" articles at face value because they have a website, have been skillfully and artistically displayed, my friend shared the article on social media, and it fits my way of thinking; therefore, it must be true!
Not so fast.
There are numerous news sites that are purposefully satire (false narratives to ridicule true situations), politically slanted (even to the point of blatant lies), and proficiently scheming. Furthermore, hearsay and gossip is spread more rapid than ever before in the history of man.
From our closest relationships to our most distant relationships, we need to be certain that we do not "take up a reproach against" our neighbors.
By inspiration, Solomon left for us wisdom which cannot be surpassed. "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter" (Proverbs 11:13). Are we talebearers or faithful spirits?
"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends" (Proverbs 17:9). Are we filled with love and mercy, or are we filled with selfishness and scandal?
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him" (Proverbs 18:13). Will we be impulsive, reckless fools, or will we be patient, investigative listeners?
James put it this way: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19).
Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. For free Bible Correspondence Courses and In-Person Bible Studies, Emailus@coldwatercofc.com, or call 662-622-7951. He is a regular contributor to your Tate Record Church Page.
