... 'backbiteth'

What a fab word!  I was looking at Psalm 15 in various translations ahead of using it on Sunday, and the word most modern translations render 'slander' is 'backbiteth' or more specifically 'backbiteth not' which is a wonderful phrase.  And actually, I have a feeling that 'does not backbite' is more apposite than 'does not slander' in a culture where the former is rife (and I'm sure I'm as guilty as the next person) and the latter has become associated with what the media might do to public figures.

So here it is on all its KJV glory...

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

I'll not tell you which translation/paraphrase I'm using on Sunday; neither the word 'slander' or 'backbiteth' feature, though the psalmists intent, I think, does.