The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 15
In brief
Psalm 15 asks David's question: who may dwell in the Lord's tent and live on his holy hill? The answer describes a way of life more than a list of merits: uprightness, truth in speech, respect for others, faithfulness to promises and honesty with money. The psalm concludes that whoever lives like this will never be shaken. Many read it in the light of Christ, the only perfectly righteous one, who opens access to God for all.
The chapter in 3 parts
1Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill?
2He who walks blamelessly and does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;
3he who doesn’t slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man;
4in whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honors those who fear Yahweh; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn’t change;
5he who doesn’t lend out his money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.
Key verses
Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill?
The question opens the psalm: who can come near to God and stay in his presence? It reminds us that God is holy and that access to him is no small thing.
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;
The first answer describes a heart and a life that match: walking blamelessly, doing what is right, speaking truth in the heart. The emphasis is on being as much as on doing.
he who doesn’t slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man;
The psalm cares a great deal about speech: no slander, no harm to your neighbor. How we talk about others reveals the state of our relationship with God.
he who doesn’t lend out his money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.
The text closes with honesty about money and a promise of stability: whoever lives this way will never be shaken. It is not about earning salvation by works, but about describing the life of someone who belongs to God.
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 15
What does Psalm 15 mean?
Psalm 15 answers the question of who may stay with the Lord. David describes a person whose life is consistent: integrity, justice, truthful speech, respect for others, faithfulness to commitments and honesty with money. It shows that communion with God is lived out in daily actions and relationships.
Does this psalm say we earn our place with God by our works?
No. The evangelical reading sees in it the portrait of someone who already lives in communion with God, not a list of conditions to deserve it. No human being reaches this portrait perfectly. Christians recognize the righteousness of Jesus in it and read the psalm as a call to the new life given by his grace.
How can I meditate on Psalm 15?
Take one verse a day and ask yourself an honest question: is my word true, have I kept my commitments, am I honest with money? Ask God to show you one point at a time, rather than feeling guilty about everything at once. Thank him for the grace that makes you able to move forward.
Articles quoting Psalm 15
World English Bible translation — public domain.