David
Psalm 15
A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4In 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.
5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Summary
Psalm 15 is a wisdom psalm in question-and-answer form. David asks who is worthy to dwell in God’s presence—to abide in His tabernacle and dwell on His holy hill. The answer unfolds in a description of integrity that encompasses the whole of life: walking uprightly, working righteousness, and speaking truth in the heart. The qualities are both active and passive: positively, one does righteousness and honors those who fear the LORD; negatively, one does not backbite, do evil to a neighbor, or take up a reproach against another.
The psalm is striking in its emphasis on speech and relationships. The one who dwells with God does not slander, does not harm a neighbor, and does not take up a reproach. Honesty runs deep: this person speaks truth in the heart, not just on the lips. Even when a oath costs him personally, he does not change. He does not exploit the vulnerable through usury or take bribes against the innocent. The closing promise is powerful: "He that doeth these things shall never be moved." The major themes are integrity, truth, righteousness, fellowship with God, and stability. Practically, the psalm teaches that worship is not just ritual but character—the way we speak, treat others, and handle money determines whether we truly dwell with God. The great lesson is that intimacy with God requires integrity of heart and life.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 15
LORD, who shall abide in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? Create in me the character You require: let me walk uprightly, work righteousness, and speak truth in my heart. Keep me from backbiting with my tongue, from doing evil to my neighbor, and from taking up a reproach against another. Help me to honor those who fear You and to keep my word even when it costs me. Let me not exploit the poor through usury or take a bribe against the innocent. Make me one who does these things, that I may never be moved. Root my worship in integrity and my fellowship with You in truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What does it mean to "speak truth in my heart" rather than only on my lips?
- 2Where have I been tempted to backbite or take up a reproach against someone?
- 3What would it look like to "swear to my own hurt and change not"?
- 4How does this psalm’s emphasis on relationships and money challenge my worship?
Related Psalms
Psalm 24
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A processional hymn welcoming the King of glory into His holy place.
Read morePsalm 12
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A cry against deceitful speech and a trust in God’s pure words.
Read morePsalm 14
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”
A diagnosis of universal corruption and a longing for God’s restoration.
Read morePsalm 1
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
Two paths, two destinies: the righteous rooted like a tree by streams, the wicked blown away like chaff.
Read morePsalm 101
“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.”
Psalm 101 is a royal vow of integrity, attributed to David, in which the king pledges to govern his household and his realm according to the steadfast love and justice of the Lord.
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