(Psalms 15:4-5) “(4) 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. (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.”
Introduction
In the first post about Psalms 15:1-2, “Who Shall Abide?” – David asked God two questions. Both questions begin with, “Who shall.” Who shall what? and where shall they? The answers to what and where are found in the key words David’s first question: “abide” and “tabernacle”; and in his second question: “dwell” and “holy hill.”
The What
The Hebrew word for “abide” carries the idea of one turning aside to have lodging; to assemble in one place. The Hebrew word for “dwell” carries the idea of staying permanently in the lodging; to continue, or to remain. On the surface these two Hebrew words can be synonyms of each other. However, the real difference lies in that the word translated “abide” is the initial beginning; and the word translated “dwell” has more to do with continuing, or remaining, in the place.
And The Where
The Hebrew word for the English translation of “tabernacle” carries with it a tent or a covering. Whereas the Hebrew word for the English translation of “holy (hill)” carries with it a sacred place; a hallowed place; a set-apart place; a holy place; a consecrated place; a dedicated place. The word translated “hill” is a mountain or a range of hills. (See “Who Shall Abide?”)
However, David, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, looked past the Tabernacle in the Wilderness to the Church of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The Church is the Spiritual Habitation of God on the earth (Eph. 2:20-22; 3:21). The Church is called the Body of Christ; Christ is the Head, and the believers in Christ are the body of Christ (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12, 27; Eph. 2:6; 5:23; Col. 1:24). In Christ are the fulness of Grace and Truth.
Therefore, David was asking God, “…who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” Or: Who is allowed to come into the Church (where Christ Is The Head of the Body and where Christ Dwells On Earth)? and who will dwell there permanently? In Psalm 15:2, David answers these two questions; only those who:
I. Those That Love God:
(Psalm 15:2)
- “He that walketh uprightly, and
- “Worketh righteousness, and
- “Speaketh the truth in his heart.”
In the Second Devotion, David continues his answer. David says, ‘Not only those that love God; but, secondly, those that love their neighbor.
II. Those That Love Their Neighbor – (Brethren)
(Psalm 15:3)
- Not A Slander: “He that backbiteth not with his tongue,
- Not A Schemer: “…nor doeth evil to his neighbour,”
- Not A Scandal Carrier: “…nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.”
In this third devotion, David presents the third and fourth groups that abide in the House of God;
III. Those That Love Truth
(Psalm 15:4)
1). Not A Compromiser: “In whose eyes a vile person is contemned;”
A vile person is a wicked person. He thinks, walks, and talks in the vein of sin continuously. He is totally controlled by the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 Jn. 2:15). The man who abides in the House of God does not keep company with the vile man. But, rather the contrary, the vile is despised. Those that do not compromise with the vile; but rather, they stand up to the vile, as they will not go the way of the vile – no, not for any reason. The dwellers in the House of God are Witnesses for Jesus Christ and for Him alone. This means that the vile person’s attitude and actions are an abomination to the righteous man; even to those who abide in the House of God.
2). Not Confused: “…but he honoureth them that fear the LORD”
The Compromiser is confused as to his loyalty. But he that abides in the Tabernacle of God is one that is not confused as to his loyalty. His loyalty is to God, and to those who say they are the children of God. These are counted as “the brethren”; or they are styled “…them that fear the LORD.” Those that fear the Lord are, (Prov. 8:13) “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” (See Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 14:26-27.) Therefore, those that abide in the House of God are those that hate sin, period. Those in the House of God are those who have as their desire (Mat 22:37-40) “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. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Rom. 12:10) “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
3). Not A Changer: “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.”
The man that abides in the House of God will not change; even if it is to his hurt. This speaks of being true to one’s words; even if it hurts. This means he is faithful to his promises; he fulfils all his obligations that he made by an oath; he is honest and upright in all his dealings. He is not a “double minded man” (Jas. 1:5-8). This man will keep his vow or oath no matter what; for, he “changeth not.”
IV. Those That Love Right
(Psalm 15:5)
1). NOT A TAKER: “He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent.” (don’t be a taker of his Substance; or of his Reputation)
David defines those who love doing right to all, anyone, even if they are not brothers in Christ – by presenting two facts: First, he doesn’t loan his money for “usury,” or interest, above and beyond the legal limit of the law. The taking of moderate and legal interest on money loaned is not the problem here. The problem is the oppression of the poor; and to condemn covetous of the loaner at the expense of the poor (Ex. 22:25). The brethren of the House of God are forbidden to company with this type of person is forbidden for the brethren to company with in the House of God (1 Cor. 5:11). Secondly, David said in (v-5b), “nor taketh reward against the innocent.” That is, do not swear falsely against him, or to pass a wrong sentence on him. (See 1Sa.12:3.) The Takers cannot be in the House of God; only Givers.
Conclusion
(Psalm 15:5b) “…He that doeth these things shall never be moved.”
What things? The answer is found in (Psalm 15:2-5a). That is,
I. Those That Love God: (V-2)
II. Those That Love Their Neighbor (The Brethren): (V-3)
III. Those That Love Truth: (V-4)
IV. Those That Love Right: (V-5)
These are the “abiders” and “dwellers” in the Tabernacle of God (or the House of God – the Church); and praise God, “…He that doeth these things shall never be moved.”
The application of Psalms 15:1-5 is very plain; either you fit David’s description, or you do not fit the description of those that abide and dwell in the House of God. This description of David, and the dwellers where God dwells, takes the mask off the hypocrite; the faker; the liar; the pretender; and the wicked who are hiding in the House of God. Could it be that the reason for so much contention and division in the church today is that many do not fit David’s description of who shall abide and dwell in God’s House? This final thought and question is worthy of examination by all who name the Name of Christ; those who call themselves Christians.
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