Psalms 15:5

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

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}.

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

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

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

Psalm 15 serves as a profound inquiry into the character required to dwell in God's presence, often framed as "who may ascend to the hill of the LORD?" (Psalm 24:3). Verse 5 concludes the list of moral qualifications, summarizing the blessed outcome for those who embody these virtues.

Context

This verse highlights two crucial ethical standards in ancient Israelite society: financial integrity and judicial fairness. The prohibition against "usury" (charging interest) was a significant part of the Mosaic Law, particularly concerning loans to fellow Israelites in need (Leviticus 25:36, Deuteronomy 23:19). This was not a blanket ban on all interest but specifically aimed at preventing the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable. Similarly, "taketh reward against the innocent" directly condemns bribery and corruption within the legal system, ensuring justice was not perverted for personal gain, a principle echoed throughout the Law and Prophets (Deuteronomy 16:19, Proverbs 17:23).

Key Themes

  • Financial Ethics: The verse emphasizes honest and compassionate financial dealings, valuing human dignity over profit, especially when dealing with the vulnerable.
  • Judicial Integrity: It underscores the importance of an uncorrupted justice system, where truth and innocence are protected, and bribery is rejected.
  • Divine Stability: The ultimate promise, "shall never be moved," signifies security, steadfastness, and enduring favor from God. It suggests that a life built on righteousness provides an unshakable foundation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "usury" is neshekh (נֶשֶׁךְ), which literally means "bite," implying a predatory or oppressive interest that "bites" into the borrower's resources. It refers to exploitative lending practices. The phrase "shall never be moved" comes from the Hebrew lo' yimmoṭ (לֹא יִמּוֹט), meaning "shall not totter," "shall not slip," or "shall not be shaken." This doesn't imply physical immobility but rather spiritual, moral, and existential stability. It speaks to a life that is firm, secure, and divinely upheld, impervious to the trials and tribulations that might cause others to falter (Psalm 16:8, Psalm 112:6).

Practical Application

Psalm 15:5 remains remarkably relevant today. It challenges us to examine our financial practices, urging us to avoid exploitative lending, unfair business dealings, or any form of economic oppression. It also calls for integrity in all our dealings, particularly in positions of influence or power, where the temptation to accept "rewards against the innocent" might arise. The promise of being "never moved" serves as a powerful encouragement: true and lasting security, stability, and peace are found not in material wealth or worldly power, but in a life consistently aligned with God's ethical standards. Such a life, built on justice and compassion, is a house built on the rock, able to withstand life's storms.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 16:19 (13 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    ¶ 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 (11 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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.