Psalm 15

Today's scripture is Psalm 15. Go here to read it in your preferred version.

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
² He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
³ He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
⁴ 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.
⁵ He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Who will be abiding in the Lord's tabernacle? This is the sacred tent of Jehovah. This is a tabernacle that cannot be broken or removed.

Isaiah 33:20 - "Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken."

In asking this question we know that the answer is not "everyone". We ought to ask ourselves this and look at ourselves for the following characteristics.

Verse 2 - You will find there people who walk uprightly, and work righteousness and speak the truth in their heart. A person who walks uprightly has the following characteristics: he is of a sound mind, he is unimpaired by things that would alter his brain, he has integrity, he is one with the truth of God, believing it wholly. This verse also describes someone who is consciously making honest decisions and is fair in all his dealings with people. When he makes a promise to God or another human, he stands by that promise.

Verse 3 gives more characteristics of this person. He doesn't backbite, or do evil, and doesn't take up a reproach with a neighbor. Basically this person tries to do good to his neighbor regardless of who it is. This person won't do anything purposely to hurt someone else or offend them, or cause disruption in his family. Pretty much living by the golden rule. Back biting is probably one of the "easiest" sins we commit, and one that people don't like to talk about because they don't want to give it up! But a righteous person doesn't talk about others or gossip, especially if someone makes a mistake, it's not our business to discuss it. In fact, you just shouldn't talk about anyone unless you're lifting them up. This person will stop gossip when it gets to him, he will discourage the person from telling him the story, but if he does get told a story it stops at him and goes no further!

Verse 4 - We know in our hearts that people who deny Christ are condemned. We don't disrespect them for that, but we do agree with what the Bible says about their salvation. Honoring those who fear the Lord means these are the people you will turn to for friendship and advice. You will have more in common with these people than nonbelievers.

This verse goes back to promises too. Don't make a promise or vow and then change it. Stand by your word no matter what.

Verse 5 - We know that money doesn't bring honor in the eyes of God. We don't accept bribes and we don't gain money at the expense of others. Our money is lent to us from God anyway. So we must use it wisely and use it for others' good when they need it!

Questions? Comments?