Those who refuse to exploit others through interest or bribes rest on an unshakeable foundation that keeps them close to God forever.
He does not put out his money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken (v.5). In this final verse of Psalm 15, the psalmist highlights two practical ways to uphold a righteous character before the Lord: refusing to exploit the vulnerable through unjust financial gain, and steering clear of bribes that pervert justice. This is in line with the biblical principle that exploitation is the opposite of God’s command to love one’s neighbors (Hosea 7:13 noted that idolatry and pagan practices often led to such moral abuses). By following these directives, God’s people demonstrate a compassion that mirrors His own and protect the sanctity of community life.
The command not to lend money at interest in Israelite law was originally intended to prevent taking advantage of fellow Israelites who were in need (Deuteronomy 23:19). Likewise, rejecting bribery ensures that justice remains impartial and holy, a standard essential for those who claim to serve a righteous God. The psalmist declares that these actions are markers of moral integrity and genuine devotion, making them criteria for abiding in the presence of the Lord—His holy hill—mentioned earlier in Psalm 15 (Psalm 15:1-2).
Concluding the verse, He who does these things will never be shaken (v.5) points to the stability and spiritual security that come from living in honest obedience. Integrity of heart and action aligns believers with God’s unchanging goodness, offering a foundation that cannot be toppled by hardship or corruption. As Psalm 15 as a whole teaches, moral uprightness—manifested in speech, conduct, and financial dealings—draws the worshiper near to the steadfastness and holiness of God.
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Psalms 15:5 meaning
He does not put out his money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken (v.5). In this final verse of Psalm 15, the psalmist highlights two practical ways to uphold a righteous character before the Lord: refusing to exploit the vulnerable through unjust financial gain, and steering clear of bribes that pervert justice. This is in line with the biblical principle that exploitation is the opposite of God’s command to love one’s neighbors (Hosea 7:13 noted that idolatry and pagan practices often led to such moral abuses). By following these directives, God’s people demonstrate a compassion that mirrors His own and protect the sanctity of community life.
The command not to lend money at interest in Israelite law was originally intended to prevent taking advantage of fellow Israelites who were in need (Deuteronomy 23:19). Likewise, rejecting bribery ensures that justice remains impartial and holy, a standard essential for those who claim to serve a righteous God. The psalmist declares that these actions are markers of moral integrity and genuine devotion, making them criteria for abiding in the presence of the Lord—His holy hill—mentioned earlier in Psalm 15 (Psalm 15:1-2).
Concluding the verse, He who does these things will never be shaken (v.5) points to the stability and spiritual security that come from living in honest obedience. Integrity of heart and action aligns believers with God’s unchanging goodness, offering a foundation that cannot be toppled by hardship or corruption. As Psalm 15 as a whole teaches, moral uprightness—manifested in speech, conduct, and financial dealings—draws the worshiper near to the steadfastness and holiness of God.