who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. who lends his money without interestThe Law required Israelites to aid impoverished covenant members without profiting from their distress (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35–37). Such generosity recognized that the land and its provision belonged to the Lord and cultivated mercy within the community. Deu 23:19-20 Do not charge your brother interest on money… and refuses a bribe against the innocent. God forbade bribes because they corrupt judgment and deny justice to those without power or influence (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19). Integrity protects the innocent and reflects the righteous judgment of the Lord. Deu 27:25 Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill… He who does these things will never be shaken. A life ordered by reverence for God stands secure amid changing circumstances. The righteous possess enduring stability because their confidence rests in the Lord, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the sure foundation of all who trust in Him. Psa 112:6-7 Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 15, King David, is traditionally understood to be the writer. He was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. 2. Israel The nation to whom the Psalms were originally addressed, providing guidance on living a life pleasing to God. 3. The Innocent Refers to those who are blameless or righteous, whom the psalmist warns against harming through unjust financial practices. Teaching Points Integrity in Financial DealingsAs believers, we are called to conduct our financial affairs with integrity, avoiding practices that exploit others, such as charging excessive interest. Justice and Fairness Upholding justice means refusing to accept bribes or engage in corrupt practices that harm the innocent. Our actions should reflect God's justice. Stability through Righteousness The promise of never being shaken is tied to living a life of righteousness. When we align our actions with God's standards, we find stability and security. Trust in God's Provision By not exploiting others for financial gain, we demonstrate trust in God's provision, believing that He will meet our needs as we honor Him. Community and Accountability Engaging in fair financial practices strengthens the community and builds trust among believers, fostering an environment of mutual support and accountability. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Psalm 15:5 challenge our modern views on lending and financial practices?2. In what ways can we ensure that our financial dealings reflect the integrity and justice described in this verse? 3. How does the promise of "never being shaken" encourage us to pursue righteousness in all areas of life? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid the temptation of accepting bribes or engaging in corrupt practices? 5. How can we support and hold each other accountable in our community to live out the principles found in Psalm 15:5? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 22:25This verse prohibits charging interest to the poor among the Israelites, aligning with the principle in Psalm 15:5 about not lending money at interest. Proverbs 28:8 This proverb warns that those who increase their wealth by charging interest will eventually lose it, reinforcing the idea of just financial practices. Ezekiel 18:8, 13, 17 These verses discuss the righteousness of not charging interest and the consequences of doing so, echoing the themes of integrity and justice found in Psalm 15:5. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Accept, Age, Bribe, David, Decisions, Doesn't, Innocent, Interest, Lend, Michtam, Money, Moved, Payment, Psalm, Putteth, Reward, Shaken, Silver, Taketh, Usury, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 15:5 5274 credit 1461 truth, nature of Library Question of the Division of Life into the Active and the ContemplativeI. May Life be fittingly divided into the Active and the Contemplative? S. Augustine, De Consensu Evangelistarum, I., iv. 8 " Tractatus, cxxiv. 5, in Joannem II. Is this division of Life into the Active and the Contemplative a sufficient one? S. Augustine, Of the Trinity, I., viii. 17 I May Life be fittingly divided into the Active and the Contemplative? S. Gregory the Great says[291]: "There are two kinds of lives in which Almighty God instructs us by His Sacred Word--namely, the active and … St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Perceivest Thou not How Much this Reasoning Aideth the Very Persons whom as Great... Wherefore, that which is Written, "Who Speaketh the Truth in his Heart... Thus Then what is Written, "The Mouth that Lieth... The Folly of Slander. Part 1. Of Evil-Speaking in General. Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor. Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It. How to Dwell in the Fire of God The King --Continued. The Ninth Commandment Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion Rules to be Observed in Singing of Psalms. Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon Themselves the Righteous Destruction to which they are Doomed. Psalms Links Psalm 15:5 NIVPsalm 15:5 NLT Psalm 15:5 ESV Psalm 15:5 NASB Psalm 15:5 KJV Psalm 15:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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