Blameless. How can I possibly live in such a way to be considered blameless? After all, I know all that I have done.  Unworthy. The more I study God’s word, the more I realize how unworthy I am to come into His presence. However, David tells us through Psalm 15. Keil-Delitzsch called it “Conditions of Access to God.” G. Campbell Morgan called it “Jehovah’s Friend Described.” A Gospel Advocate article from 1972 called it “The Man God Approves.” If Psalm 23 is the description of the Shepherd from the sheep’s perspective, Psalm 15 is certainly the description of the sheep from the Shepherd’s perspective.

The Psalm is easily divided. There are two synonymous questions in verse 1. 11 answers given in verses 2-5a. Finally, a comforting conclusion is found in the last part of verse 5.

The Question (v.1)
These questions are asked of the Lord. Man cannot prescribe what is good and proper, much less lead one to a right relationship with the Lord. Only He can answer. “Abide” comes from the root for sojourn and CHALOT says it means to “live as a stranger; be a guest.” Dwell carries a more permanent setting, as Brown-Driver-Briggs says it is to settle down permanently. The tabernacle was a moving, temporary house. The temple in Jerusalem was a more permanent structure. As the tabernacle is a figure of the church, there is excellent application. How do we come into a right relationship with the Lord for our short time here on this earth? How do we live forever with Him after this life is over?

The Answer (vv.2-5a)

• v. 2 – Walk with integrity. This means living “entirely in accord with truth and fact” (BDB).
• v. 2 – Works righteousness. The blameless think right, speak right, and prefer right actions and deeds. We must do what is right.
• v. 2 – Speaks truth in his heart. “What appears in his lips is what the purity of his heart dictates” (Woods).
• v. 3 – Does not slander with his tongue. Literally this is “He foots not upon his tongue.” He refuses to “kick someone” with his tongue. He will not be a backbiter, a whisperer, a slanderer, a gossiper.
• v. 3 – Does no evil to his neighbor. He won’t hurt them in any way.
• v. 3 – Does not take up a reproach against his friend. He won’t listen to people talk badly of others.
• v. 4 – Despises reprobates. He has nothing to do with the works of darkness (Psa. 1).
• v. 4 – Honors fearers of the Lord. These are the ones with whom he has fellowship (Psa. 1).
• v. 4 – Swears to his own hurt and does not change. His word is as good as any document he might sign. He keeps that word even at personal sacrifice.
• v. 5 – Does not put out his money at interest. “Interest” comes from the Hebrew word for “bite.” “Put out” comes from the word meaning “to give or hand down.” He is not a “loan shark.” He is not someone who takes advantage of the unfortunate situations of others.
• v.5 – Does not take a bribe against the innocent. The blameless man would never stoop so low as to cheat justice for personal gain.

The Conclusion (v.5b)
No one will move him away. His faith will not be shaken. He will not leave the truth. He will not apostatize because doing these things will keep him on the straight and narrow path.

As the Shepherd looks at those who may enter His fold, this is the kind of sheep for which He is looking. Indeed, we are unworthy, but we are made worthy by Him. And so, a blameless life is attainable when we follow the Lord’s plan for our lives, deal with sin in a way approved by Him, and continue to put our trust in Him. Then and only then, He says, may we dwell with Him!

Corey Sawyers