Psalms 15:4

Context

Psalm 15, often described as a "liturgical psalm" or a "Torah psalm," poses a fundamental question: "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1). The verses that follow, including verse 4, provide a character sketch of the righteous individual who is fit to stand in God's presence. This psalm sets a high standard for those seeking to have a close relationship with the divine, outlining not just outward religious acts but deep internal character and moral integrity.

Key Themes

• Moral Discernment and Righteous Association: The first part of the verse describes a person who possesses a clear moral compass. They do not approve of wickedness but rather hold "vile" or contemptible persons in low esteem due to their ungodly actions. Conversely, they "honour them that fear the LORD," showing respect and admiration for those who live in reverence and obedience to God. This highlights the importance of both discerning evil and associating with righteousness.
• Unwavering Integrity and Faithfulness: The latter part of the verse emphasizes absolute trustworthiness. A righteous person is someone who "sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not." This means they keep their promises and oaths, even when doing so results in personal disadvantage, loss, or discomfort. It speaks to profound integrity, reliability, and commitment to one's word, a foundational aspect of Biblical integrity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "a vile person is contemned" uses "contemned" from the Hebrew word nima'as (נִמְאָס), meaning to be despised, rejected, or held in contempt. This isn't about personal animosity but a moral and righteous rejection of wickedness itself and those who embody it. The righteous individual does not approve of or participate in evil. The phrase "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: yire' Yahweh) signifies a deep reverence, awe, respect, and obedience to God, which is often presented as the beginning of wisdom throughout the Old Testament.

Related Scriptures

• The principle of honoring those who fear the Lord aligns with the broader Biblical teaching on associating with the wise and righteous, as seen in Proverbs 13:20.
• The steadfastness in keeping oaths, even to one's detriment, is a high standard of truthfulness. This commitment to one's word is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches simplicity and truthfulness in speech, as seen in Matthew 5:37 ("But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."). Similarly, James 5:12 also warns against casual swearing, advocating for straightforward honesty.

Practical Application

Psalm 15:4 provides a timeless challenge for believers today. It calls us to:

1. Cultivate Discernment: In a world that often blurs moral lines, we are called to clearly distinguish between good and evil, rejecting what is vile and celebrating what is righteous. This applies to our choices in media, entertainment, and the company we keep.
2. Uphold Integrity: Our word should be our bond. In an age where promises are easily broken, the believer is called to be exceptionally trustworthy. This builds credibility and demonstrates the character of Christ in all areas of life, from business dealings to personal relationships.
3. Value Godly Character: We should actively seek out and honor those who genuinely fear the Lord, supporting and learning from their example. This fosters a community built on shared values and mutual encouragement in faith.