If someone were to go around your neighborhood taking a survey, and asking your neighbors their opinion of you, what would they say? Would they say that you were a good, honest, and kind person, a person of integrity? Would your co-workers or classmates have that opinion, or would they think something else? Would your behavior reflect well on the Lord Jesus, and show to others that you belong to Him, without your even having to say a word? In our psalm for this week, David shares some characteristics that should be evident in a believer and follower of Jesus. Let’s look and see if any of these are evident in our own lives.
Our psalm opens with David asking the Lord a question. He asks Him who is able to abide in His tabernacle, the place where God dwells, in heaven (vs. 1). The answer is given in the next verse, that it is those who walk uprightly and are righteous (vs. 2). First, as we know from reading all throughout Scripture, that if we try to live a good, godly and righteous life on our own, in our own strength and power, it is impossible. We will always fall short and fail (Romans 3:23). God’s requirement for eternal life is perfection. No one except the Lord Jesus Christ has ever met that standard, and no one ever will. However, when we come to Jesus, calling upon Him as our Savior, He forgives our sins and gives us His righteousness. We receive the Holy Spirit, and with His power and indwelling we can exhibit the godly standards of this psalm.
Psalm 15 concentrates on showing us how a righteous, or saved person should act. Though no one but the Lord Jesus is perfect, they will exhibit indications of ethical integrity. God calls His people to be morally upright. We live in an evil world, where godly standards and morals are eroding. Our standards for living should not come from the world and society, which are godless, but from God and His Word.
As David proceeds with this psalm he first brings up how we use our tongue and our speech. An upright and righteous person will always speak the truth (vs. 2). There are some for whom lying has become second nature. That should not be the case with a Christian. Speaking the truth, regardless of what the situation, should always be our first and only response. What we say reflects our relationship with God. Speak the truth. Refuse to slander others (vs. 3), and keep all of our promises to others and especially to God (vs. 4). A believer should always watch what they say (James 3:1-12).
One who is in a good relationship with God does not do evil to his neighbor (vs. 3). They are loyal and consistent, and don’t consciously bring difficulty upon others. They also don’t reproach their friends. They don’t speak sharp, cutting, or scornful words against others, but are honest and gentle. A Christian will keep their word, even when it is difficult (vs. 4). Our word should be our bond.
Our psalm continues by urging believers to avoid close friendships with “vile” people (vs. 4). A vile person is one who is a reprobate, a wicked, unsaved person who is completely uninterested in God. The faithful Christian will not cultivate a close association with them because it will affect their own godly walk. Instead, they honor those who fear the Lord. We emulate those we spend time with, so we should have godly Christian friends.
David closes with one more characteristic, and this has to do with money (vs. 5). We are instructed not to loan our money and charge usury, or high interest rates. If we are going to loan someone money, especially a needy brother or sister in Christ, don’t use that as an opportunity to make money. Are we so obsessed with money that we change our godly standards and behavior to get it? Money should not be a controlling force in our life. When a fellow believer has a true need, we should help without charging interest. Love, not making money, should be our motive. Help others generously and unselfishly.
When others think of us, what do they think of? Are we thought of as an honest person, one who is truthful in all things, trustworthy, honorable, a person of integrity? A Psalm 15 type of person? We are encouraged here to have a heart that fears God. Be pure in speech. Honor those who also fear God, and avoid those who despise Him. Care for the poor, and be true to your word.
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