15:3Psalms 15:3

Psalm 15:3 answers who shall abide in God's tabernacle and dwell in His holy hill, which is living with Him in His holy presence and heavenly courts prepared for the righteous.STGC 45.1+2 It forbids slandering and gossiping behind another's back, doing harm to a neighbor by misrepresentation and damaging reports, and accepting an accusation against him and repeating and spreading it from person to person.8T 84.2–3+4 Taking up a reproach also includes listening to a backbiter without reproving him, accepting evil reports as true, and letting suspicion or censure rest on a fellow worker without going to the one condemned.Ms 26, 1886, par. 1–3+2 It belongs with walking uprightly, working righteousness, and speaking truth in the heart, with inward integrity and a conscience true to duty.STGC 45.1+2 The backbiter cannot receive God's approval or abide with Him, but he who refuses this threefold wrong shall never be moved, shall dwell on high with provision sure, and shall see the King in His beauty.ED 141.3–4+4

The question who shall abide in God's tabernacle and dwell in His holy hill of Zion is answered by a strikingly definite character test for dwelling with God in His holy presence and heavenly courts.STGC 45.1+4 That dwelling includes the mansions prepared for the righteous, and fitness for it is shown by refusing to backbite with the tongue, refusing to do harm to a neighbor, and refusing to repeat criticism and accusation against a neighbor.STGC 45.1+3 Even one who did not originate the reproach brings condemnation upon himself by merely taking it up and passing it on from person to person.Lt 63, 1903, par. 23+2 Living in this way means walking uprightly, working righteousness, and speaking truth in the heart, and he who does these upright actions abides in God's holy place and shall never be moved.STGC 45.1+2 It also means working in harmony with cheerfulness and wholeheartedness, refusing to listen when voices introduce complaint, peevishness, murmuring and accusing, firmly closing the door of the heart and barricading the soul against disaffection spread by mischievous tongues, and never voicing words of the adversary even when they come from father, mother, brother, sister, friend or enemy.Lt 41, 1899, par. 6–9

The same description marks the citizen of Zion and the one fit to stand in the Lord's courts.Ms 178, 1903, par. 3+3 Such citizenship is seen in truth in the heart and in truthful, restrained speech that does not backbite or spread reproach, reflecting Christ's character in the world.Ms 178, 1903, par. 3+2 That character is formed and proved within practical spiritual work through diligent obedience to God's commandments, with faith in Jesus Christ giving power to live accordingly, and it is this people who will possess the kingdom.Ms 178, 1903, par. 3 Fitness to stand there therefore forbids spreading damaging reports or criticizing a fellow worker from a distance, and instead requires speaking with the person, counseling and praying with him, and seeking a true account before judging his work.Ms 37, 1901, par. 22–24 Backbiting belongs among grave sins condemned by God alongside hating God, inventing evil things, lacking natural affection, and being implacable, unmerciful, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit and malignity, and those who commit such things are worthy of death by the judgment of God.ED 235.5–236.1+1

None but the pure and lowly can dwell with God, with clean hands and a pure heart.CH 629.1+2 That purity calls for a sanctified heart and tongue, free of guile and defiling speech, as the inward ground of refusing to slander, refusing to harm a neighbor, and refusing to spread reproach against a neighbor.CH 629.1+2 Walking uprightly, working righteousness, and speaking truth in the heart is joined to despising the vile, honoring those who fear the Lord, keeping an oath though to personal hurt, refusing usury and refusing reward against the innocent, and he that does these things shall never be moved.CH 629.1 This standard stands in contrast to those corrupt at heart through indulgence of lustful passions and impurity, including professed Sabbath-keepers whose inward corruption God will prove and make manifest.CH 629.1+1 Their folly and sin will be exposed so that folly is made manifest to all, while only those cleansed from such corruption abide in the tabernacle, dwell in the holy hill, and stand in His presence.CH 629.1+1

Backbiting with the tongue is slander and gossip and speaking against others behind their backs.8T 84.2–3+4 It is whispering among believers about supposed errors and faults, commenting upon them and magnifying and exaggerating them, tearing down and discouraging and destroying others.Ms 4, 1873, par. 1–4+2 The evil habit of gossip and ungenerous criticism is a curse to the community, the neighborhood and the home, and must be discouraged with no pains spared.ED 235.2–3 The home is the best school for learning right habits of speech, but when its work is neglected the teacher must aid pupils in forming them, for this habit reveals lack of culture and refinement and of true goodness of heart and unfits a person both for the society of the truly cultured in this world and for association with the holy ones of heaven.ED 235.2–3 Backbiting belongs with hating God, inventing evil things, lacking natural affection, and being implacable, unmerciful, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit and malignity, and those who commit such things are worthy of death by the judgment of God.ED 235.5–236.1

Doing evil to a neighbor is doing them harm, including harm done by slander.8T 84.2–3+2 It includes sowing distrust, jealousy and enmity, and fear of transgressing God's Word requires refusing it.Lt 15, 1888, par. 12 It includes misrepresentation and speech that gossips and turns people against them, which is a blemish in Christian character and must be overcome.Lt 4, 1861, par. 6–9 It includes circulating damaging and untrue reports about them and passing along accusations from one person to another, which dishonors God and brings reproach on His cause, and requires confession, making peace and living in Christian unity.Lt 4, 1861, par. 6–9+1

Taking up a reproach against a neighbor is accepting an accusation, joining in it, and repeating and spreading it from person to person.8T 84.2–3+4 Listening to a reproach and passing it on is taking it up, and listening to and carrying forward another person's accusation makes it one's own.5T 58.1+1 Even one who did not originate the reproach brings condemnation by merely taking it up and passing it on, so the requirement is to refuse to repeat criticism against a neighbor.Lt 63, 1903, par. 23 The one fit to dwell with God refuses backbiting, false reports and condemning speech, and deals with a perceived wrong through direct, fair efforts at reconciliation rather than criticism or judgment, treating a brother who has gone astray with kindness and prayer rather than exposing or condemning him.8T 84.2–3+1

Taking up a reproach also includes listening to the words of a backbiter without reproving him, letting the evil report be carried from one to another to do great harm.Ms 26, 1886, par. 1–3+1 It is hearing and accepting evil reports as true and acting as though they were true without first going to the one accused and giving opportunity to clear himself, and both the bearer of false witness and the listener are condemned.Lt 98a, 1897, par. 32–35 It includes listening to and enjoying reports that damage another person's character, which shares in the wrongdoing and weakens and harms the church.Ms 26, 1886, par. 1–3 It includes allowing any degree of suspicion or censure to rest upon fellow workers while neither rebuking the complainers nor faithfully presenting the matter before the one condemned, which does the work of the enemy and waters seeds of discord and strife whose fruit will be met in the day of God.HPMMW 25.2 Such conduct separates very friends, strikes directly at a brother's reputation, awakens envy, jealousy and evil surmisings that endanger salvation, hedges up the brother's way and binds his influence, and God will hold the doer accountable.HPMMW 25.2

No report of errors and faults may be received unless the Saviour's rule has been strictly followed: go to the offender alone, then take two or three others and labor with him in tenderness, humility, meekness and throbbing love for his soul, then tell it to the church for action according to the Scriptures, which heaven will ratify in cutting off the offender if he does not repent.Ms 1, 1878, par. 23–24+1 If those steps have not been taken the ear must be closed to complaints and not a word is to be listened to.Ms 1, 1878, par. 23–24+1 When brethren and sisters refuse to listen, evil tongues lose their fruitful field and backbiting and devouring one another will cease, but receiving talebearing opens the heart to Satan's temptations and shuts out compassion, pity and love.Ms 1, 1878, par. 23–24+1 Charges borne against God's servants are borne against Christ in the person of His saints, and those who hear and accept such reports and tattle them create dissatisfaction and division, act as traitors, and show by feeding on scandal that they know little of Christ.Lt 98a, 1897, par. 32–35 The church that fails to rebuke members who by evil speaking create dissension and strife is guilty before God, so members must resist it and responsible leaders must guard against it, and persistent refusal to follow the Bible's directions may require church discipline.Ms 26, 1886, par. 1–3+1

Righteousness and unrighteousness are shown by speech, and this threefold refusal gives the distinguishing marks of righteous speech.Lt 34, 1899, par. 1–5 Refusing to use speech to backbite or slander, to harm a neighbor, or to spread a reproach against them is part of upright conduct.ST Apr 5, 1905+2 It calls for a sanctified heart and tongue, free of guile and defiling speech, as part of having clean hands and a pure heart.Ms 13, 1888, par. 48–52 Upright conduct includes truthful speech from the heart, while speaking against fellow believers, especially by spreading inaccurate reports, stains Christian character and must be overcome.19MR 32.1–33.1 Victory over hasty, unchristlike words comes through Christ, and the Holy Spirit can make the tongue a source of life.ST Apr 5, 1905

Not backbiting, doing no harm to a neighbor, and taking up no reproach belong together with walking uprightly, working righteousness, and speaking truth in the heart.STGC 45.1+3 They show inward integrity, with truth and honesty in the inmost soul.ED 57.3 They mark a conscience as true to duty as the needle to the pole.ED 57.3

The same character despises the vile and honors those who fear the Lord.CH 629.1+1 It keeps an oath even to personal hurt without changing.ED 141.3–4+2 It refuses usury and refuses reward or bribes against the innocent.CH 629.1+1 It despises the gain of oppression, shakes the hands from bribes, and shuts the eyes from evil.ED 141.3–4 It refuses to backbite or to excuse wrong, but calls sin by its right name and stands for the right though the heavens fall.ED 57.3

Refusing this evil speech is loving God supremely and loving the neighbor as self, keeping the last six commandments as well as the first four.Ms 167, 1898, par. 30–32+1 It is keeping Christ's new commandment to love one another.Ms 167, 1898, par. 30–32+1 That love is a step heavenward, and obedience to it gives God's people supremacy.Ms 167, 1898, par. 30–32+1 It brings the oneness of believers with the Father and the Son for which Christ prayed, so that the world may believe, and keeps Christ's joy remaining with full joy.Ms 109, 1906, par. 33–35 It requires keeping Christ before the mind as the example of perfection rather than dwelling on the supposed imperfections of others.Lt 48, 1903, par. 9–10+1 Dwelling on the faults of others is sin in word and deed and fills the soul with the leaven of evil.Lt 48, 1903, par. 9–10

The one who speaks against a neighbor, does harm to a neighbor, or takes up and spreads a reproach against a neighbor cannot abide in God's tabernacle and dwell on His holy hill, for the backbiter is shut out from dwelling with God and cannot receive His approval.12MR 278.2–4+4 Such whispering about supposed errors and faults, commenting on them and magnifying and exaggerating them, brings God's displeasure, for God hates all such work and will call every person engaged in it to account.12MR 278.2–4+2 Evil speaking of this kind weakens and troubles others and harms the church, discouraging and destroying those who might otherwise be strong in God.12MR 278.2–4+2 It gives Satan cause to exult that he can weaken and annoy them, and it causes the world to see weakness and to judge the professed truth by its fruits.Ms 1, 1880, par. 17–19

Thinking and speaking evil lays hay, wood and stubble upon the foundation, which will be consumed by the fires of the last day, and it weakens churches, institutions and conferences.Ms 94, 1904, par. 2–4 Allowing suspicion or censure to rest upon fellow workers without rebuking the complainer or faithfully laying the matter before the one condemned does the work of the enemy and sows seeds of discord and strife whose fruit will be met in the day of God.HPMMW 25.2 It separates very friends, strikes at a brother's reputation, hedges up his way and binds his influence, and awakens envy, jealousy and evil surmising that endanger the soul's salvation, for which God will hold the doer accountable.HPMMW 25.2

He that does these things, refusing to backbite, to do evil, and to take up reproach, shall never be moved.CH 629.1+1 Such upright character is true insurance, for the Lord knows his days and his inheritance shall be forever, he shall not be ashamed in the evil time and in days of famine shall be satisfied, he shall dwell on high with bread given and waters sure, and his eyes shall see the King in His beauty and behold the land that is very far off.ED 141.3–4 Backbiting stands in God's reckoning with hating God, inventing evil things, lacking natural affection, and being implacable, unmerciful, and full of envy, murder, debate, deceit and malignity, and by the judgment of God those who commit such things are worthy of death, while truthful and restrained speech marks the citizen of Zion who belongs to Him.ED 235.5–236.1+1

The verse forbids talking about the supposed defects, mistakes and deficiencies of brethren who preach the Word, picking flaws in men placed in trust, pronouncing judgment upon them, denouncing and condemning them, and seeking to uproot the confidence of others in them.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 41–43 It forbids criticizing a fellow worker from a distance instead of speaking with him, counseling and praying with him, and seeking a true account before judging his work.Ms 37, 1901, par. 22–24 Taking up hearsay and circulating false and damaging reports about fellow workers is the evil of a neighbor condemned here.Ms 37, 1901, par. 22–24+1

Carrying evil reports from church to church and from conference to conference, criticizing fellow workers, excusing failure to do appointed soul-saving work, and hindering the gospel work are all forbidden by the requirement to do no harm to a neighbor and take up no reproach against him.Ms 94, 1904, par. 2–4 Time so spent is to be spent instead in proclaiming the first, second and third angels' messages.Ms 94, 1904, par. 2–4 Thinking and speaking evil in this way brings hay, wood and stubble to the foundation that will be consumed by the fires of the last day, weakens churches, institutions and conferences, and will be called to account because God hates all such work.Ms 94, 1904, par. 2–4

Stopping to surmise evil about brethren in ministry through criticism, suspicion, faultfinding, falsehood and destruction of reputation is forbidden, and in its place is required pressing together in love as Christ loves.Ms 186, 1897, par. 12–16+1 The door is to be closed against those who accuse the brethren and thereby serve Satan's cause and do the evil work of rebellion also done against Christ.Ms 186, 1897, par. 12–16+1 He that does these things shall never be moved.Ms 186, 1897, par. 12–16

Such accusation and criticism is cruel work condemned by God and displeasing to Him, grieving to the Holy Spirit and putting Christ to open shame.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 41–43+1 It works in harmony with Satan as accuser of the brethren, dishonors God and brings reproach on His cause.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 41–43+2 It will not correct the critic's own errors or wrongs, but fastens the critic in Satan's snare in self-exaltation.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 41–43 Confession of these wrongs, making peace with one another, and living in Christian unity are required instead of circulating false reports and passing accusations from one person to another.RH Jul 19, 1870

Evil speaking weakens and harms the church, so members must resist it and responsible leaders must guard against it, and persistent refusal to follow the Bible's directions may require church discipline.Ms 26, 1886, par. 1–3 Listening to and enjoying reports that damage another person's character shares in this wrongdoing.Ms 26, 1886, par. 1–3 The evil habit of gossip and ungenerous criticism is a curse to the community, the neighborhood, the home and the church, and a source of many church trials, and must be discouraged with no pains spared.ED 235.2–3+1 Parents occupied with their own responsibilities will have no time for such talk about others.2T 465.2

Backbiting and cruel, faultfinding words injure people in the church, make them feel unsafe, and can keep them from using their gifts or accepting positions of trust.Ms 26, 1886, par. 9 Thinking and speaking evil of fellow laborers and opening the mind to false reports about them reveals that first love has been left, showing dryness and coldness of heart and lack of courtesy, kindness and tenderness.18MR 198.4–199.3 It comes from a cruel selfish spirit that makes members of God's family act like quarrelsome children, overbearing, criticizing and denunciatory, and it is especially shameful in those who minister in the word of God.18MR 198.4–199.3 Christ cannot cooperate with those who practice it, but returning to first love and drawing supplies from Christ cures it.18MR 198.4–199.3

The right response is to refuse backbiting, false reports and condemning speech, and to meet a perceived wrong with direct, fair effort at reconciliation rather than criticism or judgment.8T 84.2–3+2 A brother who has gone astray is to be treated with kindness and prayer rather than exposed or condemned.TBC1882 35.1–36.1 Wrongs of circulating false reports and passing accusations from person to person are to be confessed, peace is to be made, and life is to be lived in Christian unity.RH Jul 19, 1870

No report of errors and faults is to be received unless the Saviour's rule has been strictly followed.Lt 98a, 1897, par. 32–35+4 First the offender is to be gone to alone, then two or three others are to be taken to labor with him in tenderness, humility, meekness and throbbing love for his soul, then the matter is to be told to the church for action according to the Scriptures, which heaven will ratify in cutting off the offender if he does not repent.Ms 1, 1878, par. 23–24+3 Listening to a charge without first going to the accused to give opportunity to clear himself is itself backbiting and taking up a reproach, hearing and accepting evil reports as though true, and both bearer and listener stand condemned.Lt 98a, 1897, par. 32–35 If those steps have not been taken the ear must be closed to complaints and not a word listened to.Ms 1, 1878, par. 23–24+3

When brethren and sisters refuse to listen, evil tongues lose their fruitful field and backbiting and devouring one another will cease.Ms 1, 1878, par. 23–24+4 Receiving talebearing opens the heart to Satan's temptations and shuts out compassion, pity and love.Ms 1, 1878, par. 23–24 The required life is working in harmony with cheerfulness and wholeheartedness, refusing to listen when voices introduce complaint, peevishness, murmuring and accusing, firmly closing the door of the heart and barricading the soul against disaffection spread by mischievous tongues.Lt 41, 1899, par. 6–9 Satan's words are never to be voiced, even when they come from father, mother, brother, sister, friend or enemy.Lt 41, 1899, par. 6–9

Those with a transmitted inheritance of suspicion, envy, jealousy, evil-surmising, mourning and complaining must be on guard, refuse to be overcome, reach up and take hold of Christ for strength, and overcome by fighting the enemy's suggestions whether sent directly to the soul or through associates.Lt 41, 1899, par. 6–9 Victory over hasty, unchristlike words comes through Christ, and the Holy Spirit can make the tongue a source of life.ST Apr 5, 1905 Instead of accusation the heart is to be humbled before God, one's own case examined, Christ's words done and His footsteps walked in, them that fear the Lord honored, and each to go to work for himself.Lt 8a, 1890, par. 41–43 Order is to be maintained in the church, the Sabbath correctly observed, and every unrighteous course toward brethren and sisters turned from with hearty repentance, shame, confession and good testimony; returning to first love and drawing supplies from Christ cures evilspeaking.Ms 66, 1886, par. 32+1

The home is the best school for learning right habits of speech, but when the work of the home is neglected the teacher must aid pupils in forming them.ED 235.2–3 The evil habit of gossip and ungenerous criticism reveals lack of culture and refinement and of true goodness of heart, and it unfits a person both for the society of the truly cultured in this world and for association with the holy ones of heaven.ED 235.2–3 Parents occupied with their own responsibilities will have no time for gossip and carrying news, which is a curse to neighborhoods and churches and a source of many church trials.2T 465.2 Speech that gossips, misrepresents others, stains Christian character, or turns people against them is a blemish that must be overcome by fear of transgressing God's Word.Lt 15, 1888, par. 12+2 When people are busy finding fault with others they neglect their own souls and allow harmful qualities to grow in their hearts.Ms 4, 1873, par. 1–4