Psalm 15

How easy it is to fall into the ways of the world. It takes daily diligence to walk in the ways of the Lord. Within ourselves this is impossible. 

By carefully following the soft spoken words of the Holy Spirit within us…all things are possible!

The Psalm records a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court. The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. Note the emphasis on virtues relating to one’s neighbor. Catholic Bible.

This short temple entry psalm—a psalm used when a worshiper would enter the temple—explains Yahweh’s requirements of those who worship Him. It shows characteristics of wisdom psalms in prescribing a proper way of living. It can be divided into two main sections: the initial questions asking who can dwell on Yahweh’s holy hill, and the remainder, which answers by describing the required characteristics). The requirements are moral conditions that involve the conscience. Faithlife Bible.

The righteous hate what God hates. The point is not so much the emotion of hatred as the deliberate rejection of wicked ways. When a righteous person takes an oath, it must be honored even if it requires suffering. NKJ Bible.

Psalm 15 (NKJV)

A Psalm of David.

¹ Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?

Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly,

And works righteousness,

And speaks the truth in his heart;

³ He who does not backbite with his tongue,

Nor does evil to his neighbor,

Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;

⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is despised,

But he honors those who fear the Lord;

He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

⁵ He who does not put out his money at usury,

Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

Leviticus 5:4 (NKJV)

⁴ ‘Or if a person swears, speaking thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man may pronounce by an oath, and he is unaware of it—when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty in any of these matters.

Leviticus 19:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.