God Promises a Godly Life

Psalm 15:1-5 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart 3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, 4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, 5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
 
WHAT is a goldy life? It is living determined to be as close to God’s commands, principles and promises as possible. A godly life is built with an understanding God’s ways are the essential building blocks of an effective life that reveals God to the world. The last sentence in today’s scripture is the key to this lie. He who does these things will never be shaken. David, the psalmist, teaches us some these things to be a unshakeable godly person.
   First, a goldy person’s walk is blameless. This means one has integrity about his public faith and private motives. A godly person says and does those things that agree with God’s commands. A blameless person is not sinless, but a true God-seeking life demonstrates a strong loyalty to God. A true relationship with him is their highest ideal. In contrast the godless suffer with fearful anxious hearts: Isaiah 33:14 “The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”
   Second, a godly person does what is righteous and speaks the truth from his heart. This makes sense, doesn’t it? All of Scripture is directed to teaching us God’s righteousness. A righteous person is honest. He puts truth above all things. David gives two traits of an honest person in verse 5: who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Those who charged interest on a loan to another Jew violated God’s law. Bribes are a gross violation of decency and order against the common good. Greed is often a catalyst for ungodly behavior. We must stop and consider: What is more valuable – money improperly gained or an honest relationship with God and our neighbors? Godly people know God’s answer.
   Third, a godly person has no slander on his tongue. Proper speech is a common ingredient in each godly trait, isn’t it? Slander breaks the ninth commandment. We see how quickly trust and cooperation disappear when people accuse and criticize in attempts to gain an advantage. It is hateful to God to speak damaging lies of someone created in his image. Be godly and do your neighbor no wrong. In a like manner, support others who despise a vile man. God’s people must stand against evil. Too often we think we can stand with evil and still have a moral culture. In many places the church has compromised its stand to allow sin into God’s holy sanctuary. Our LORD destroys those who condone evil.
   Fourth, one who is goldy also encourages a God-worshiping culture when he honors those who fear the Lord. It is a wonderful thing to see people speak well of those who worship God and keep his oath even when it hurts. Yes, one’s word is a higher value than any compromise when godliness anchors your heart. If one cannot trust and believe that you are true to your words, how can there be a bond of love and peace between people?
   “God's promise to the godly is that they are firmly grounded on His covenant promises and need not fear. He who does the will of God abides forever.” (The Bible Exposition Commentary Warren W. Wiersbe)