Psalms 15:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In whose eyes {H5869} a vile person {H3988} is contemned {H959}; but he honoureth {H3513} them that fear {H3373} the LORD {H3068}. He that sweareth {H7650} to his own hurt {H7489}, and changeth {H4171} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

who look with scorn on the vile, but honor those who fear ADONAI; who hold to an oath, no matter the cost;

Berean Standard Bible

who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,

American Standard Version

In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honoreth them that fear Jehovah; He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 15:4 describes two essential characteristics of the righteous individual who is qualified to dwell in God's presence: a profound moral discernment that actively rejects wickedness and honors genuine piety, and an unwavering commitment to truthfulness, even when upholding one's word results in personal disadvantage. This verse, part of a larger "entrance liturgy" psalm, outlines the internal character and external integrity required for intimate fellowship with the Holy One of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 15 functions as a "Torah psalm" or an "entrance liturgy," beginning with a direct question in [Psalm 15:1](/psalms/15-1 "Psalm 15:1 - Who May Dwell with God?"): "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" The subsequent verses, including verse 4, provide a character sketch, detailing the moral and ethical qualifications of the one who is fit to stand in God's holy presence. It moves from general righteousness (walking uprightly, working righteousness, speaking truth – [Psalm 15:2](/psalms/15-2 "Psalm 15:2 - Characteristics of the Upright")) to specific examples of righteous conduct (not slandering, not doing evil to neighbors, not taking up a reproach against a friend – [Psalm 15:3](/psalms/15-3 "Psalm 15:3 - Avoiding Slander and Harm")). Verse 4 specifically addresses one's moral associations and the integrity of one's word, building on the preceding general principles by providing concrete illustrations of righteous living. The psalm concludes with a promise of steadfastness for those who embody these virtues ([Psalm 15:5](/psalms/15-5 "Psalm 15:5 - The Reward of Righteousness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the tabernacle and later the Temple were the central places of worship and divine encounter. Access to these sacred spaces was not merely physical but also spiritual, requiring ritual purity and moral uprightness. The concept of "fearing the LORD" was foundational to Israelite piety, signifying a deep reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God's covenant commands, as often emphasized in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge"). Oaths played a crucial role in legal, social, and commercial transactions, binding individuals to their word before God and the community. Breaking an oath, especially one made to one's own detriment, was a grave offense, undermining social trust and inviting divine judgment. The emphasis on keeping one's word "to his own hurt" highlights a standard of integrity that transcends personal convenience or gain, reflecting a deep commitment to truthfulness that was highly valued in a society built on communal trust and covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 15:4 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **holiness and divine presence**, emphasizing that God's dwelling place is accessible only to those who reflect His moral character. Secondly, it highlights **moral discernment and righteous association**, illustrating that true piety involves not only avoiding evil but actively disdaining it and, conversely, honoring those who genuinely revere God. This theme is echoed throughout wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise"). Thirdly, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **unwavering integrity and faithfulness**, particularly regarding the sanctity of one's word. Keeping an oath, even when it causes personal loss, demonstrates a profound commitment to truth and righteousness that is a hallmark of the covenant relationship with God. This concept of radical truthfulness is a recurring motif in the Law and Prophets, setting a high standard for ethical conduct within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Contemned (Hebrew, _nima'as'_):** This word, derived from the root _ma'as_ (מָאַס), means to reject, despise, or hold in contempt. In the context of Psalms 15:4, it signifies more than just a passive dislike; it implies an active, moral disapproval and rejection of a "vile person" (Hebrew, _nakhleh_, meaning morally corrupt, base, or worthless). The righteous individual does not associate with or approve of ungodliness but rather distances themselves from it, demonstrating a clear moral boundary.
* **Fear the LORD (Hebrew, _yire' Yahweh'_):** This is a foundational concept in biblical theology, particularly in the Old Testament. It encompasses not merely terror or dread, but a profound reverence, awe, respect, and obedient submission to God. It signifies a proper understanding of God's majesty, holiness, and authority, leading to a life of devotion and adherence to His commands. To "honor them that fear the LORD" means to recognize and esteem those who genuinely live in this reverent obedience, affirming their godly character and association.
* **Sweareth (Hebrew, _shava'_):** This verb means to swear, to make an oath, or to bind oneself by an oath. In ancient cultures, an oath was a solemn declaration, often invoking a deity, to confirm a promise or assertion. The phrase "sweareth to his own hurt" (Hebrew, _lishba' lera'o_) emphasizes the extreme integrity of the individual. It means they make a promise that, in retrospect, proves disadvantageous or costly to them, yet they do not retract or break it. This highlights a commitment to truthfulness that transcends personal comfort or financial loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In whose eyes a vile person is contemned":** This clause describes the righteous person's moral discernment and judgment. They do not passively accept or tolerate wickedness. Instead, they actively despise or reject those who embody moral corruption or worthlessness. This is not about personal animosity but a righteous indignation against ungodliness itself, demonstrating a clear distinction between good and evil and a refusal to sanction or participate in the latter.
* **"but he honoureth them that fear the LORD":** In stark contrast to their rejection of the vile, the righteous individual shows respect, esteem, and admiration for those who genuinely revere and obey God. This highlights the importance of righteous association and the valuing of godly character within the community. It suggests that the righteous person actively seeks out and supports those who walk in integrity and devotion to God.
* **"[He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not":** This final clause emphasizes the unwavering integrity and faithfulness of the righteous individual, particularly concerning their word. It describes someone who makes a solemn promise or oath, even if, over time, fulfilling that promise proves personally disadvantageous, costly, or difficult. The phrase "and changeth not" underscores their steadfastness and reliability; they do not retract, alter, or break their word, demonstrating profound trustworthiness and commitment to truth above self-interest.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 15:4 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is prominently featured, setting the "vile person" who is "contemned" against "them that fear the LORD" who are "honoured." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the moral clarity and discernment of the righteous individual, emphasizing their active rejection of evil and affirmation of good. The structure of the verse also exhibits a form of **antithetical parallelism** in its first part, where the two opposing attitudes (contemning the vile, honoring the godly) are presented. The latter part of the verse, "He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not," functions as a powerful **hyperbole** or **exaggeration** to underscore the absolute nature of the righteous person's integrity. It's not just about keeping promises, but keeping them even when it's extremely difficult or costly, thus elevating the standard of truthfulness to an ultimate degree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 15:4 encapsulates a profound theological truth: genuine relationship with God demands not only outward religious observance but also deep internal character and moral integrity. The qualities described—moral discernment, valuing piety, and unwavering truthfulness—are reflections of God's own character, for He is holy, righteous, and faithful to His word. This verse connects to the broader biblical emphasis on the ethical demands of covenant living, where faithfulness to God is inextricably linked to righteous conduct towards others and steadfast adherence to truth. It teaches that our associations and the integrity of our speech are vital indicators of our spiritual state and our readiness to draw near to a holy God.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")
* [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your 'Yes' Be 'Yes'")
* [James 5:12](/james/5-12 "James 5:12 - Do Not Swear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 15:4 presents a timeless and challenging portrait of the individual fit for divine fellowship, calling believers today to a radical commitment to moral integrity and truthfulness. In a world that often blurs ethical lines, we are challenged to cultivate a keen spiritual discernment that actively rejects what is morally corrupt or "vile," refusing to condone or participate in ungodliness. This requires a discerning eye for media, relationships, and cultural trends that contradict God's standards. Simultaneously, we are called to actively honor and affirm those who genuinely fear the Lord, building up a community founded on shared reverence for God and mutual encouragement in righteousness. Furthermore, the verse demands an unwavering commitment to our word. In an age where promises are easily broken and integrity is often compromised for personal gain, the believer is called to be exceptionally trustworthy, keeping commitments even when it is inconvenient or costly. This builds credibility for our faith and demonstrates the transformative power of Christ in our lives, making our "yes" truly mean "yes" and our "no" truly mean "no."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be passively tolerating or even approving of what is "vile" in God's eyes?**
* **How intentionally do I seek out and honor those who genuinely "fear the LORD" in my community?**
* **Can I recall a time when I kept my word "to my own hurt"? What was the outcome, and what did it teach me about integrity?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my words are consistently trustworthy and reflective of Christ's character?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "contemn a vile person"?**

Answer: To "contemn a vile person" means to actively despise, reject, or hold in contempt someone who is morally corrupt, base, or worthless in character. It's not about personal hatred or animosity, but a righteous and principled disapproval of ungodliness and wickedness itself. The righteous individual makes a clear moral distinction, refusing to associate with or condone actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's holy character. This reflects a commitment to purity and a refusal to compromise on ethical standards, aligning with the call to separate from evil found elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [2 Corinthians 6:14-17](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked").

**Why is keeping an oath "to one's own hurt" so important?**

Answer: Keeping an oath "to one's own hurt" signifies the highest level of integrity and faithfulness. In ancient societies, oaths were solemn vows, often made before God, that bound individuals to their word. To keep such a promise even when fulfilling it results in personal loss, financial detriment, or significant inconvenience demonstrates a profound commitment to truth that transcends self-interest. It shows that the individual's word is their bond, reflecting a character rooted in unwavering honesty and reliability. This virtue is highly prized in Scripture, as it builds trust within the community and reflects the unchanging faithfulness of God Himself, who always keeps His promises, as seen in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 15:4 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the only one who perfectly embodies all the qualifications for dwelling in God's holy presence. In His eyes, every vile and sinful act was utterly contemned; He consistently exposed and condemned sin, yet He loved sinners and came to redeem them. He perfectly honored His Father, living a life of absolute obedience and reverence, always doing the will of [Him who sent Him](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will"). Most profoundly, Jesus "swore to His own hurt, and changed not." Though He took no formal oath, His entire life was a steadfast commitment to the will of God, culminating in His obedience to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He endured the ultimate "hurt" – separation from the Father and bearing the sin of the world – without wavering from His divine mission. Through His perfect life and atoning sacrifice, Christ not only fulfilled the demands of Psalms 15:4 but also made a way for imperfect believers to enter God's presence, not by their own merit, but by His imputed righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers are now called to grow into the likeness of Christ, increasingly reflecting His discernment, reverence, and unwavering integrity in their own lives ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.