Psalm 15, Part 2: Immovable

Yesterday we discovered that a good Christian walks uprightly; works righteousness through Christ, our Lord; and speaks the truth honestly with purity of mind.

Today we consider the remaining verses of Psalm 15.

“He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour” (v. 3) is the next set of virtues a Christian must attain.

This verse is a mirror of the golden rule found in Matthew 7:12.

Do not slander your neighbor. Do not harm your neighbor.

Do not spread rumors or gossip about your neighbor.

Be slow to believe ill of your neighbor.

“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” (Psalm 15:4).

Assess associates with honesty for who they really are.

Do not excuse evil. Do justice to all. Be not a respecter of persons, treating all evenhandedly and fairly. Once an agreement is made, even if it means personal loss, honor the deal.

The Christian’s word is his or her bond.

“He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent” (v. 5). The Christian does not charge interest of the poor.

It is unethical to take advantage of those who are destitute.

The Christian does not take a bribe (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Proverbs 17:23). “He that doeth these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:5).

These character-building traits are summed up in Jesus’ words to the lawyer who asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:36–40).

Sanctification is the work of a lifetime.

“Lord, my sins they are many, / Like the sands of the sea, / But Thy blood, O my Saviour, / Is sufficient for me; / For Thy promise is written / In bright letters that glow, / ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, / I will make them like snow.’”