Psalms 15:5

KJV

[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that putteth not out {H5414} his money {H3701} to usury {H5392}, nor taketh {H3947} reward {H7810} against the innocent {H5355}. He that doeth {H6213} these things shall never {H5769} be moved {H4131}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who refuse usury when they lend money and refuse a bribe to damage the innocent. Those who do these things never will be moved.

Berean Standard Bible

who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

American Standard Version

He that putteth not out his money to interest, Nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 15:5 serves as the climactic conclusion to a profound inquiry into the character of one who is fit to dwell in God's holy presence. It delineates two final, crucial ethical standards—financial integrity and judicial impartiality—and promises unwavering stability and divine favor for those who consistently uphold these righteous principles. This verse portrays an unshakeable life built on deep integrity, justice, and compassion, affirming that true security is found in adherence to God's moral law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 15 is often categorized as a "Torah Psalm" or an "Entrance Liturgy," closely paralleling the inquiry found in [Psalm 24](/psalms/24 "Psalm 24 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?"). The psalm opens with the fundamental question: "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1). The subsequent verses (Psalm 15:2-4) provide a detailed ethical inventory, listing specific moral and ethical characteristics that define the righteous individual. Verse 5 functions as the culminating point of this ethical exposition, presenting the final two virtues—financial integrity and judicial honesty—and concluding with the blessed assurance of divine stability for those who embody this righteous lifestyle. It acts as a powerful summary statement, reinforcing that consistent adherence to these principles is the path to an unshakeable life in God's favor and presence. The structure moves from question to exposition to promise, providing a comprehensive answer to the initial inquiry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ethical standards articulated in Psalm 15:5 are deeply rooted in ancient Israelite society and the Mosaic Law, reflecting God's character and His design for a just community. The prohibition against "usury" (charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites) was a cornerstone of the covenant community's economic ethics, designed to protect the poor and vulnerable from exploitation. Unlike commercial interest charged to foreigners, this was about communal solidarity, ensuring that loans were acts of compassion rather than opportunities for predatory gain, as seen in [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Law Regarding Lending to the Poor"), [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36-37 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - Prohibition of Usury"), and [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19-20 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Prohibition of Interest"). Similarly, the condemnation of "taketh reward against the innocent" directly addresses the pervasive issue of bribery and corruption within the judicial and administrative systems. In a society where justice was often administered locally and could be influenced by powerful individuals, the integrity of the legal process was paramount for social order and divine blessing, echoing commands against perverting justice found in [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Prohibition of Bribes"). These commands reflect God's character of justice and compassion, demanding a society that mirrors His righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to the psalm's overarching theme of **Holiness and Righteous Living**, demonstrating that true worship and access to God's presence are inextricably linked to ethical conduct in daily life. The specific prohibitions against usury and bribery highlight the importance of **Economic Justice and Social Equity**, emphasizing that faith must manifest in fair dealings and protection for the vulnerable, echoing the broader call for justice found throughout the prophetic literature, such as [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down"). Furthermore, the concluding promise, "shall never be moved," powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Stability and Security**. It assures the righteous of an unshakable foundation, a life divinely upheld and secure against the vicissitudes of life, contrasting sharply with the instability often associated with the wicked in other psalms, like [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4 - The Ungodly Are Like Chaff"). This stability is not merely physical but spiritual and existential, rooted in God's steadfastness and covenant faithfulness, providing a profound sense of peace and assurance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Usury (Hebrew, _neshek'_ H5392):** This term literally means "bite" or "a bite," conveying the sharp, painful, and predatory nature of exploitative interest. In the context of ancient Israel, it refers specifically to charging interest on loans made to fellow Israelites, particularly the poor or needy. The Mosaic Law strictly prohibited this practice, viewing it as an act of oppression that "bit" into the borrower's livelihood and dignity. It was distinct from commercial interest charged in business transactions or to foreigners, focusing instead on compassionate lending within the covenant community to prevent destitution and maintain social solidarity.
* **Innocent (Hebrew, _nâqîy'_ H5355):** Derived from a root meaning "to be clean" or "to be acquitted," this word signifies someone who is blameless, guiltless, or free from fault in a legal or moral sense. In the context of "taketh reward against the innocent," it refers to a person who is unjustly accused or against whom a bribe is accepted to pervert justice. The emphasis is on protecting those who are genuinely not guilty and ensuring that legal proceedings are free from corruption and bias, upholding the fundamental principle of justice.
* **Moved (Hebrew, _môwṭ'_ H4131):** The root verb _môwṭ_ means "to totter," "to slip," "to shake," or "to be moved from one's place." In this context, with the negative particle _lo'_ ("not"), "shall never be moved" (לֹא יִמּוֹט, _lo' yimmoṭ_) signifies absolute stability, steadfastness, and security. It does not imply physical immobility but rather an unshakeable spiritual, moral, and existential foundation. The righteous person, by adhering to God's ethical standards, builds a life that is firm and secure, impervious to the trials, adversities, or moral temptations that might cause others to falter or collapse. This divine assurance speaks to enduring favor and an unassailable position in God's sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[He that] putteth not out his money to usury":** This clause condemns exploitative financial practices within the community. It refers to the practice of lending money with interest (usury) to fellow Israelites, especially the poor, which was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law. The emphasis is on compassionate and just economic dealings, where one's financial resources are not used to oppress or profit unfairly from the vulnerability of others, but rather to support and uplift the community in a spirit of solidarity and mutual aid.
* **"nor taketh reward against the innocent":** This phrase directly addresses judicial and ethical integrity. It prohibits the acceptance of bribes or any form of illicit payment that would pervert justice or lead to a false verdict against an innocent party. This principle underscores the sanctity of truth, fairness, and the protection of the vulnerable within the legal system, ensuring that justice is administered impartially and without corruption, reflecting God's own character as a righteous judge.
* **"He that doeth these [things]":** This serves as a concluding summary, referring back to the entire list of moral and ethical qualifications presented throughout Psalm 15. It emphasizes that it is the consistent and active practice of these righteous behaviors—not merely intellectual assent or outward religious observance—that defines the person worthy of God's presence. This phrase highlights the practical and performative nature of true godliness, where faith is demonstrated through righteous living.
* **"shall never be moved":** This is the climactic promise and blessed outcome. "Never be moved" signifies ultimate stability, security, and steadfastness. It implies an unshakeable foundation in life, both spiritually and existentially. Such a person is divinely upheld, secure in God's favor, and able to withstand the trials and tribulations of life without faltering or collapsing. This promise conveys enduring peace, prosperity, and an unassailable position in the divine presence, rooted in God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 15:5, as the concluding declaration of a didactic psalm, employs several literary devices to convey its message powerfully. The entire psalm, including this verse, functions as an **Entrance Liturgy** or **Torah Psalm**, presenting a set of moral qualifications for entry into God's holy presence, making it a profound form of ethical instruction. The structure of the psalm, moving from an opening question to a detailed list of virtues and culminating in a definitive promise, exemplifies **Didactic Instruction**. Specifically within verse 5, the use of **Parallelism** is evident, though not strictly synonymous or antithetical, in the pairing of financial integrity ("putteth not out his money to usury") and judicial integrity ("nor taketh reward against the innocent"). These two clauses represent distinct but related spheres of ethical conduct, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the righteousness demanded. The concluding phrase, "shall never be moved," serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual and existential stability, contrasting sharply with the imagery of tottering or slipping often associated with the wicked in other biblical texts. This metaphor provides a vivid image of security, divine protection, and an enduring foundation for the righteous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 15:5 encapsulates foundational Old Testament theological principles concerning righteousness, justice, and the nature of true worship. It links ethical conduct directly to one's relationship with God, asserting that genuine piety is demonstrated through actions, particularly in how one treats the vulnerable and upholds societal justice. The prohibition against usury and bribery reflects God's character as a righteous judge and compassionate provider, demanding that His people mirror these attributes in their economic and legal systems. This verse underscores the holistic nature of biblical faith, where personal integrity, social responsibility, and spiritual devotion are inextricably linked. The promise of being "never moved" signifies God's covenant faithfulness to those who walk in His ways, assuring them of divine favor and an enduring foundation that transcends earthly instability, a testament to the security found in living righteously before God.

* [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Law Regarding Lending to the Poor")
* [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Prohibition of Bribes")
* [Proverbs 17:23](/proverbs/17-23 "Proverbs 17:23 - Wisdom on Bribes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 15:5 presents a timeless challenge for believers today, urging us to examine the integrity of our financial practices and our unwavering commitment to justice. In a world often driven by profit and power, the call to avoid "usury"—interpreted broadly as any exploitative or predatory financial dealing—reminds us to prioritize compassion and fairness, especially towards those in vulnerable positions. This extends beyond literal interest rates to fair wages, ethical investments, responsible stewardship of resources, and avoiding any practice that would "bite" into the livelihood or dignity of another. Similarly, the rejection of "reward against the innocent" compels us to uphold truth and justice in all spheres, whether in our workplaces, communities, or public discourse. It calls us to resist corruption, speak up for the marginalized, and ensure that our actions contribute to a just and equitable society, reflecting God's own character. The profound promise that "he that doeth these things shall never be moved" offers immense encouragement: true and lasting security, stability, and peace are not found in accumulating wealth or worldly influence, but in a life consistently aligned with God's righteous character and ethical standards. Such a life is divinely anchored, able to withstand the storms of life and remain steadfast in faith, experiencing a profound inner peace that the world cannot give or take away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might modern financial practices, even those considered legal, subtly reflect the spirit of "usury" by exploiting the vulnerable or prioritizing profit over people?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community, actively resist the temptation to compromise integrity for personal gain, particularly when justice or truth is at stake?**
* **What does "shall never be moved" truly imply for your life today, and how does living righteously contribute to a sense of unshakeable stability in your faith and circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Does the Bible forbid all interest on loans?**

Answer: No, the biblical prohibition against "usury" (Hebrew _neshek_) in passages like [Psalm 15:5](/psalms/15-5 "Psalm 15:5 - The Righteous Person's Character") primarily concerned charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, especially the poor and needy. The Mosaic Law aimed to prevent the exploitation of the vulnerable within the covenant community, ensuring that loans were acts of charity and solidarity rather than opportunities for profit at another's expense (see [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor") and [Leviticus 25:35-37](/leviticus/25-35-37 "Leviticus 25:35-37 - Laws Concerning the Poor")). It was permissible to charge interest to foreigners (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:20](/deuteronomy/23-20 "Deuteronomy 23:20 - Lending to Foreigners")), indicating that the concern was not with interest itself, but with its oppressive use within the community. Therefore, modern commercial interest rates or investment returns are generally not considered "usury" in the biblical sense, unless they are predatory or exploit the desperate.

**What does "shall never be moved" truly imply for the righteous?**

Answer: The phrase "shall never be moved" (Hebrew _lo' yimmoṭ_) signifies profound and enduring stability, security, and steadfastness for the righteous. It does not mean physical immobility or an absence of life's challenges, but rather an unshakeable spiritual, moral, and existential foundation. The person who lives according to God's righteous standards is divinely upheld and secure in God's favor. They will not "totter" or "slip" from their upright position, even amidst trials, temptations, or societal upheavals. This promise speaks to an inner peace, an unwavering trust in God, and an ultimate assurance of His presence and blessing, ensuring that their life and faith remain firm and unassailable, much like a [house built on the rock](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"). It implies a divine guarantee of steadfastness and an enduring spiritual position that cannot be shaken by the world's shifting circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 15:5, like the entire psalm, presents a standard of righteousness that points ultimately to Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament outlines the character of those who may approach God, only Christ perfectly embodies every qualification. He is the one who truly "putteth not out his money to usury," for He came not to exploit or profit from humanity's brokenness, but to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He never "took reward against the innocent"; indeed, He was the innocent One against whom a reward was taken (Judas's thirty pieces of silver, foreshadowed in [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Thirty Pieces of Silver")), yet He willingly endured this injustice to secure our salvation ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted")). Jesus is the only one who perfectly "doeth these things," fulfilling the Law's demands not only outwardly but in the purity of His heart and motive ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Therefore, He is the one who "shall never be moved"—His kingdom is eternal ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - His Dominion is an Everlasting Dominion")), His word stands forever ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")), and He is the unshakeable foundation upon which His church is built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - No Other Foundation")). Through faith in Him, believers are united with His perfect righteousness and share in His unshakeable stability, being made righteous in Him and receiving the Spirit who enables them to walk in newness of life, reflecting His character and living lives that are truly "unmoved" by the world's shifting sands, anchored in the steadfastness of Christ Himself ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")).

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.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 16:19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

Exodus 22:25

¶ If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

Ezekiel 22:12

In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.

Deuteronomy 23:19

Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

Deuteronomy 23:20

Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Ezekiel 18:8

He [that] hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, [that] hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

Matthew 7:21

¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.