Psalm 15 Bible Commentary

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

(Read all of Psalm 15)

Verse 1

[1] LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

Who — Who shall so dwell in thy church here, as to dwell with thee for ever in heaven?

Verse 2

[2] He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Uprightly — Loving, and serving God, and loving his neighbour not in word only, but in truth; and this constantly.

Worketh — Makes it his business to do justly, to give to every one his due, first to God, and then to men.

Speaketh — His words and professions to God and men, agree with the thoughts and purposes of his heart.

Verse 3

[3] He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

He — He that doth not speak evil of his neighbour.

Neighbour — That is, any man.

Nor taketh — Into his mouth, doth not raise it, neither spread or propagate it; or believe it without sufficient reason.

Verse 4

[4] In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Vile — An ungodly man.

Honoureth — He highly esteems and loves them, though they be mean as to their worldly condition, and though they may differ from him in some opinions or practices of lesser moment.

Sweareth — A promissory oath.

Hurt — To his own damage. As if a man solemnly swear, that he will sell him such an estate at a price below the full worth; or that, he will give a poor man such a sum of money, which afterwards he finds inconvenient to him.

Changeth not — His purpose, but continues firm and resolved to perform his promise.

Verse 5

[5] He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

To usury — In such a manner as is contrary to God's law: of which see otherwise, Leviticus 25:36,37, etc.

Reward — Or, a bribe for him who hath a bad cause.

Moved — He shall abide with God here, and when he dies be for ever with the Lord.