Psalms 15

David asks who may be at home in God’s presence, and answers with a portrait of a person whose life is honest, loving and fair. The qualities are everyday ones: how we talk, treat neighbors, keep promises and handle money. The psalm shows that nearness to God and daily character cannot be separated.

Psalms 15:1

The psalm opens with a question put to the LORD himself. The tent is the place where God met his people, and the holy mountain is Zion, where he dwelt. The question is who may belong in God’s presence, not merely visit it.

BSA: abide (“sojourn, dwell temporarily”): The first line pictures a guest welcomed under God’s roof. dwell (“live, reside permanently”): The second line pictures a settled resident, so the longing is for lasting nearness.

Hebrew: יָגוּר (yagur, H1481) — “to sojourn, stay as a guest.” It describes a guest who is given protection and hospitality. The psalmist asks who may be received as God’s guest.

See also: Psalm 24:3-4.

Psalms 15:2

The answer begins with the whole life, then the heart. Such a person walks with integrity, does what is right, and speaks truth sincerely, not just correctly. His words match what is inside him.

BSA: integrity (“unblemished, perfect”): The word means whole and complete, a life without hidden flaws or double dealing. heart (“innermost being, mind and emotions”): Truth is meant to be real at the very center of a person, not only on the lips.

Hebrew: תָמִים (tamim, H8549) — “whole, complete, blameless.” It is used of sacrifices without defect. Here it describes a person undivided in life, not flawless but wholehearted.

See also: Micah 6:8.

Psalms 15:3

Three failures are ruled out, all involving other people. The tongue does not spread slander. The hands do no harm to a neighbor. The mouth does not heap scorn on a friend. God’s guest guards his words and his neighbor’s good name.

BSA: slander (“false or hurtful”): Slander is speech that wounds, whether or not it is untrue. scorn (“shame or disgrace”): To scorn someone is to bring shame on him, or to pass along a shameful report about him.

See also: James 3:5-10; Exodus 20:16.

Psalms 15:4

This person has settled loyalties. He does not admire wicked people just because they are successful, and he honors those who revere the LORD. He also keeps his word even when it costs him, and does not take back a promise once sworn. Such faithfulness reflects the faithful God he draws near to.

BSA: vile (“a reprobate, worthless person”): The word describes someone who has been rejected as worthless because he has rejected God. honors (“shows respect, glorifies”): The honor given to God-fearing people is real and generous, not grudging. revise (“change, alter”): The temptation is to alter the terms when keeping the promise becomes costly.

See also: Matthew 5:37; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.

Psalms 15:5

He lends to a needy neighbor without charging interest, so a poor man is helped, not squeezed. Justice cannot be bought either: he will not take a bribe to harm someone who has done no wrong. The psalm closes with a promise that such a life stands firm.

BSA: interest (“or excessive profit”): The concern is profiting from someone’s distress. innocent (“or guiltless, those who have done no wrong”): The innocent person is often the one with least power, so he most needs honest defenders. shaken (“or moved, or wavering, to the age”): The security promised is stable and lasting, for the long haul.

Hebrew: יִמּוֹט (yimmot, H4131) — “will be moved, stumble, totter.” It pictures a person whose footing gives way. The promise is lasting steadiness for the one who lives close to God.

See also: Exodus 22:25; Psalm 112:6; Matthew 7:24-25.