How does Psalm 15:5 guide us in handling financial transactions with others? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “He who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.” What the Verse Meant Then • “Lend…at interest” pointed to profiteering off a neighbor’s distress (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35–37). • “Bribe” condemned any payoff that twists justice (Deuteronomy 16:19). • Together, the commands protected vulnerable people and kept community life anchored in God’s righteousness. Timeless Principles for Our Transactions 1. Money must never exploit. 2. Integrity must never be sold. 3. Obedience brings stability: “will never be shaken.” Practical Guidance for Everyday Finance • Be generous without strings attached. When a brother or sister is in need, focus on relief, not return (Luke 6:34–35). • Charge fair interest in legitimate commerce, but refuse predatory rates that trap the weak (Proverbs 28:8). • Keep every deal transparent. Hidden fees, deceptive fine print, or under-the-table perks blur the line between profit and bribery. • Let your signature be as binding as a notarized oath (Matthew 5:37). Pay on time; fulfill every promise. • Decline gifts or favors that could tilt your judgment—whether in business, ministry, or civic life (Proverbs 17:23). • Remember God owns it all. Steward resources with open hands, not clenched fists (Psalm 24:1; Hebrews 13:5). Related Scriptures That Echo the Call • Romans 13:8—“Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” • 1 Timothy 6:10—Love of money roots all kinds of evil, including exploitation and bribery. • Proverbs 11:1—A “false balance” is an abomination; honest scales delight the Lord. • Micah 6:8—Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly—financial dealings included. Living the Promise of Stability Psalm 15 ends with a promise: the one who resists greed and corruption “will never be shaken.” • Financial storms may come, but a life anchored in God-honoring practices stands firm. • Our testimony gains credibility; our communities gain trust; our own hearts gain peace. Handle every transaction as worship, and Psalm 15:5 becomes not just a warning but a pathway to unshakable life. |
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