15 May 2024 - Psalm 15

Character of those who may dwell with the Lord

Psalm 15:1(NKJV) asks: LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? This Psalm begins by posing the question: Who may dwell with the Lord? The subsequent verses answer this query by outlining the characteristics of a blameless life, which can be grouped into four categories:

*Personal character - doing what is right, speaking the truth, and keeping one’s word Psalm 15:2(NKJV) He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart. The Message translation states: Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.

*Love of others - refraining from slander, causing no harm to friends, and not discrediting neighbours Psalm 15:3(NKJV) He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend. The Message translation reads: Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbour; despise the despicable.

*An attitude of righteousness - rejecting the wicked while honouring those who fear God Psalm 15:4(NKJV) In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honours those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change. The Message translation conveys: ‘’Keep your word even when it costs you.

*Economic discretion - avoiding risky investments and ensuring money doesn't cloud one’s judgment Psalm 15:5(NKJV) He who does not put out his money at usury. Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

The Message translation puts it as: make an honest living, never take a bribe. You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this.”

The Psalm concludes with the assertion: He who does these things shall never be moved.