Leviticus 19:16

“Thou shall not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people, etc.] The word used signifies a merchant, and particularly one that deals in drugs and spices, and especially a peddler in those things, that goes about from place to place to sell them; and such having an opportunity and making use of it to carry stories of others, and report them to their disadvantage, hence it came to be used for one that carries tales from house to house, in order to curry favour for himself, and to the injury of others; and such a man is a detestable person, and ought not to be encouraged, (see <540513>1 Timothy 5:13 <201113>Proverbs 11:13); neither shall thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour;…”

“Stand against the blood of thy neighbor - Either, to put his life in danger by standing up as his accuser (compare Matthew 26:60); or, to stand by idly when thy neighbor’s life is in danger. Whichever interpretation we adopt, the clause prohibits that which might interfere with the course of justice. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Stand against the blood - In judgment as a false accuser or false witness, for accusers and witnesses use to stand, whilst the judges sit in courts of judicature. Leviticus 19:17”

“19:16 Do not spread slanderous gossip: The image here is of a merchant who trades and sells harmful rumors and accusations. This practice would quickly erode and undermine the sense of community so valued in Israel (cp. Prov 11:13; 16:28; 20:19; 26:20; 2 Cor 12:20).”

“talebearer: Exo 23:1; Psa 15:3; Pro 11:13, Pro 20:19; Jer 6:28, Jer 9:4; Eze 22:9; Ti1 3:11; Ti2 3:3; Tit 2:3; Pe1 2:1 stand: Exo 20:16, Exo 23:1, Exo 23:7; Kg1 21:10-13; Mat 26:60, Mat 26:61, Mat 27:4; Act 6:11-13; Act 24:4-9 Leviticus 19:17”