When we were children, and in school, the teachers would often ask a question, and want the students to answer. In our psalm for today, King David brings up a frequently asked question, and then gives an answer. He asked who the people were that could reside in God’s tabernacle, in His dwelling place. David then proceeds to give the qualifications of one such person.
As we look into Psalm 15, we see in answer to the question of who could dwell with God, David lists three positive answers (vs. 2), then three negative ones (vs. 3). He gives three more positive ones (vs. 4), and three more negative answers (4-5), along with a guarantee (vs. 5). Let’s take a closer look at the qualifications that a believer and follower of Jesus should have.
First, David says that a believer’s lifestyle should show integrity (vs. 2). His deeds and actions show justice, and his word is true. David continues on describing this believer. He doesn’t speak unkindly of others, nor does he do them any harm (vs. 3). A believer won’t dump reproach or unnecessary scolding or criticism upon others. A reproach is sharp, cutting, scornful speech about others, either behind their backs, or to their face. A person of integrity will not take part in this. There is both honesty and gentleness in their character. This person will do what they promise, even if it is difficult, when it is no longer convenient, or when it hurts.
The character of one who can dwell with the Lord is one who rejects a vile or reprobate person (vs. 4), but respects the people of God. He loves whom God loves, and rejects those whom God rejects. A vile or reprobate person is someone who is totally disinterested in spiritual things. A genuine believer will know what kind of impact that type of person would have on their walk with the Lord, and they would not have a close association with them (I Corinthians 15:33). We emulate those we spend time with, so we need Christian friends.
David finishes up the characteristics of this type of godly person. This person will hold themselves accountable (vs. 4). He is not fickle, is not greedy, and cannot be bought (vs. 5). Nor will he charge exorbitant interest rates if he loans money to anyone. When he sees fellow believers have a genuine need, he will help them, with love being the only motive, not making interest. He is loyal and consistent, not faithless or unreliable. Nor does he consciously bring difficulty upon others.
As we see, someone who is truly saved should show some degree of ethical integrity and moral responsibility. One thing that should identify a Christian is how they control their speech. They should speak the truth, refuse to slander, and keep their promises (vs. 3-4). We need to watch what we say. Our standards for living should not come from evil society, but from God.
This list may sound impossible to achieve, and it is if we try to on our own. That is why we need a Savior. We will not realize our need for a Savior until we understand how far we have fallen short of God’s holiness (Romans 3:23). We must depend upon Jesus. He is the only one who can cleanse our sins, and give us His righteousness so that we may dwell in His house. Only when we depend upon Jesus can we strive to become the type of person that David was describing in this psalm.
After reading this psalm, we who are believers need to ask ourselves, are we trustworthy and honest in all that we do? Are our words true? Do we speak the truth in love? We need to live in such a way that when people think of honesty and integrity, they will think of us. We need to be such a person that when it comes time to make up our tombstone, they could put the words “He (or she) was an honest person” on there.
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