← Back to Psalms

Psalms 15

5 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 15 lists the characteristics of a person who may dwell in God's presence, emphasizing uprightness, truth, and justice.

Summary

The psalm begins by asking which people may enter God's holy dwelling. It then describes a righteous individual: one who walks uprightly, speaks truth, refrains from backbiting and harm, respects the innocent, and does not exploit others with usury or false swearing. The psalm concludes that such a person will not be moved or shaken, highlighting the stability and security found in living a life aligned with God's standards.

Outline
  1. Who can dwell in God's presence?
  2. Qualities of the righteous: uprightness, truth, kindness, justice, and honesty.
  3. Assurance of stability for those who practice these virtues.
Themes
Righteousness and integrityJustice toward neighbors and the innocentFaithfulness to God's standards
Keywords
uprightrighteousnesstruthbackbitingusuryinnocentsteadfast
People
Lord
Places
tabernacleholy hill
Things
usuryreproachswear
Key Verses
  • Psalms 15:1: Introduces the central question of who may enter God's holy dwelling.
  • Psalms 15:5: Summarizes the practical actions that secure a stable life in God's presence.
Questions
  • What does Psalm 15 teach about the relationship between personal integrity and divine favor?
  • How do the listed behaviors protect a person from being 'moved' or shaken?
  • In what ways does the psalm connect moral conduct with communal justice?
Sentiment

neutral
The psalm presents moral criteria without explicit emotional language.