Psalm 15 - The Character of the Godly Man

Introduction

Psalm 14 describes the sinner, the bad man; Psalm 15 describes the saint, the good man. Psalm 14 is about the wicked; Psalm 15 is about the righteous. Psalm 15 deals with our fellowship with God. In Psalm 8 we considered how small our world is in light of the vast universe, and how much more mere individual men must be in smallness and insignificance. Yet amazingly God not only tolerates and notices them, but he wishes to have fellowship with them. Who are the people God delights in? How should they behave to please him? This Old Testament Psalm lists only a few features of godly man’s life. There are many omissions, even compared with other Old Testament material. This Psalm was written hundreds of years before New Testament. How much more could we say of godly life in light of Sermon on the Mount, and Paul’s teaching about Christian behaviour.

Yet as far as it goes, this psalm is most revealing and challenging in the way it shows us how God wants his people to live. Includes things we pass over quickly. Need to pause, look at them in detail and ask some questions. The message is that, above all, the man of God is a man of integrity and this will be evident in all main areas of his life. The Psalm begins with a question, continues with a detailed answer, and ends with an assurance.

The Question which is asked

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? (v1), or “tabernacle” i.e. place of worship before king Solomon built temple. Possibly composed when king David brought the Ark to Jerusalem. Possibly group of pilgrims ask this question and priest or prophet gives reply, and this reply would have authority of God himself.

Who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? I.e. who can be the Lord’s guests and enjoy his hospitality? Who can enjoy fellowship with him? Who can hold communion with him? Deep idea here, because person who stayed in another’s house in ancient East was lavishly cared for, protected, watched over, enjoyed peace and safety, had presence and help of host. So the question implies: Who can enjoy God’s presence, blessing and help? Important question to ask and to keep on asking.

One of the complaints against God’s people in the Old Testament was that they assumed God’s presence was always with them. After all, they were his people, led by his special favour, and his Temple – what more could you want? Of course they felt they were alright and God was pleased with them and would help them, look after them and protect them. Therefore they became careless and lived as they liked, but still presumed they were safe.

God’s blessing is conditional on following him and walking with him. God is concerned with behaviour of his people. “Too many Christians are apt to think that Christianity is nothing more that a kind of prudential insurance of the soul. This certainly is not Biblical. The truth is that God’s word has a great deal more to say about the sin of God’s people than it does about the sin of those who do not know him. It is the sin of God’s people which delayed entrance of Israel into Canaan for 40 years, and later caused the captivities. The sin of God’s people, more than the unbelief of the heathen, that caused Paul’s heartache and sorrow. And it is this which is hindering, more than anything else, manifestation of his saving power in the world today. God is shocked at sin. Christians take it for granted” (Keswick, 1953, p24)

So this psalm concerns all who want to draw near to God and know his blessing. Not enough to be saved and assume the rest is unimportant. Need to find out what pleases him and what he expects if we want his favour and fellowship and blessing. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). Psalmist here is explaining what this righteousness means.

“Sin in the Christian does not break our union, but will break our communion, with the Lord” (Hudson Taylor).

Answer which is given

(a) True Character. He whose walk is blameless (i.e. character is wholehearted and sound) and who does what is righteous (i.e. follows God’s Law in his conduct) (v2). Then he speaks the truth from his heart. Says what he means and means what he says. Genuine. No deceit. No hidden agenda. Well-rounded character. Shows integrity before God and man. Wholehearted devotion to God. Integrity in dealings with men. Utterly genuine and sincere. His heart goes with his words.

(b) Words are restrained. No slander on his tongue .. does his neighbour no wrong .. casts no slur on his fellow man (v3). He does not use his tongue to bless God in worship and to slander fellow men with his next breath. Some men’s tongues bite more than their teeth. He does not do evil to his neighbour, or corrupt him by bad example, or rejoice in another’s misfortunes and failures. How this banishes gossip, tittle-tattle, rumours, polished sarcasm in many conversations and in gossip and news columns in many newspapers.

Charles Simeon suggests 5 resolutions:

· To hear as little as possible what is the prejudice of others.

· To believe nothing of the kind until I am absolutely forced to.

· Never to sink into the spirit [writing unclear] of one who circulates an ill report.

· Always to moderate, as far as I can, the unkindness which is expressed towards others.

· Always to believe that if the other side were heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.

William Penn wrote: “Believe nothing against another but on good authority. Nor report what may hurt another unless it be a greater hurt to another to conceal it.” Always remember the maxim: “Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?”

(c) Clear cut allegiance is shown. Who despises a vile man but honours those who fear the Lord (v4). Not comparing self with others but declaring what he acknowledges and where he stands. As honest in paying respect as in paying bills. To all good men we owe debt of honour. But when bad men are in office, it is our duty to respect office but deplore and treat with contempt evil deeds and unworthy conduct. His rank, wealth and learning should not influence us. Compare Mordecai who refused to honour Haman (Esther 3:2). Estimate a man by moral worth and therefore God’s standards.

Honour those who fear the Lord. There was a dispute between Calvin and Luther. The difference was over Christ’s presence in the sacrament. Neither accepted it was merely memorial. Both believed Christ was present and spiritual feeding on him. Luther’s consubstantiation – very tart and bitter about those who differed from his view. Friends of Calvin wanted him to be equally sharp-tongued. But Calvin said respect was to be shown to Luther because of his worth and excellence. Even if Luther called him a devil, he would do him the honour of calling him a choice servant of God.

(d) His dealings are honourable. He keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury (i.e. interest) and does not accept a bribe against the innocent (v4-5). When he has made a promise, he keeps it. Even if circumstances change and it becomes inconvenient or costly to keep word. Usury, charging interest, is forbidden in the Bible, but remember historical situation. In Bible times, neighbour might be short of money or food because of bad harvest or business collapse, and therefore faced starvation and slavery. Must lend him money and not take interest because it was un-neighbourly and un-brotherly. Not exploit another’s need to make a profit. Exploitation was a blow against brotherhood of God’s people.

But this is very different from modern commercial practice. When lend money to building society or prosperous firm reaping enormous profits. Every right to share in prosperity because done them service of increasing their prosperity. In no way taking advantage of their poverty or their reduced circumstances. N.B. Need to see Bible statements in light of context.

Not accepting a bribe against the innocent is an allusion to Eastern justice where bribery and corruption ruled. Man with most money got favourable verdict. The poor man did not stand a chance. Hence prophets denounced injustice.

In summary, this is the man who pleases the Lord, enjoys his blessing and hospitality. Every part of his personality is under God’s will. Conforms to God’s standard in his walk, work and word. Upright in walk. Downright in honesty. John Wilson in his “Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life” chose this psalm to be sung at death-bed of elder. Dr Graham Scroggie writes: “It is the description of a class of man who for centuries and in every rank of life have been honour and strength to their church and country”.

Assurance which is guaranteed

He who does these things will never be shaken (v5). Man who lives and behaves in this way is secure in God and in all events of life. May have trials and calamities. But not shaken from position of godliness which he occupies, neither by temptation nor adversity. Has stability of character. Unmoved though all world should be shaken to core. And continues to enjoy communion with his God. World passes away but he who does the will of God lives for ever (1 John 2:17).

Conclusion

We have seen that this psalm is part of larger picture which describes the character of God’s people. This is mainly negative and concerned with actions. Elsewhere in the Bible we find many other things including many positive things, and things which go far deeper to desires and motives. Yet as far as it goes, this psalm is true and valuable. Many items here which are God’s will for us and which we easily gloss over.

These general statements may not make us uncomfortable, but need to sit up and take notice when we get to particulars. Reminder that Christian character is a matter of holiness of life and not emotion. Without holiness no-one will see God (Hebrews 12:14). These things are lacking today. Hence instability of families and societies. As we display them as Christians, we are salt and light. Part of our nature which Holy Spirit creates within us, and to see lives in light of this teaching is important test of the new birth in lives.

Have not got it all perfectly, but if our faces are Zion-wards, we are growing and deepening in these ways. The Christian is ruled by Christ’s Law, moved by his love, walking in his paths, seeking his glory and enjoying his blessing.

Yet must end on note of grace. Change has taken place. Growing in Christian life. Yet never reach perfection. Constant need for Christ’s cleansing for failures, and need constant work of Holy Spirit for strength. God have mercy on me, a sinner (Luke 18:13) should constantly be on our lips. So driven more and more to cling to Christ.

Luther wrote: “This Psalm strikes against lovers of outward show”. Calvin wrote: “If we really wish to be reckoned among children of God, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must show ourselves to be such, by a holy and upright life”. Spurgeon wrote: “You may write my life across the sky, I have nothing to conceal”. Happy the man who can say that.