Psalms 15

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 15

A psalm of David asking who is worthy to worship in God's presence. The answer describes a person of complete integrity in every area of life.

Scripture

Who May Worship God?

Study note

David asks God a direct question: Who may live in your tent and dwell on your holy hill?

1 Lord, who gets to stay as a guest in your tent? Who gets to live on your holy mountain? LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

The Character of the Righteous

Study note

The answer lists qualities: integrity, honesty, not slandering, keeping promises even when it costs, and refusing bribes. Such a person will never be shaken.

2 Someone who lives an honest life, who does the right thing, and who speaks what is true straight from the heart. He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

3 This person never tears others down with gossip. They never hurt a neighbor. They never spread lies about anyone. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

4 Someone who refuses to respect people who do evil but deeply honors those who honor the Lord. Someone who keeps a promise no matter how much it costs and never goes back on their word. 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 Someone who lends money without charging unfair fees and who cannot be bribed to act against an innocent person. Whoever lives this way will stand firm and never be knocked down. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 15

Who is worthy to worship in God's presenceIntegrity of heart and speechKeeping promises even when it hurtsA life that honors God and neighbor

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 15

This psalm is like a moral checklist: Do you speak the truth? Do you keep your word even when it costs you? Do you refuse to exploit others? These are not requirements to earn God's love — they are the fruit of a life transformed by it. Let this psalm inspire you toward Christlike character.

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