Psalms 15
What Happens in This Chapter
Someone asks God who is welcome to stay close to Him. The answer is a short list of ways a person lives: honest speech, kind treatment of neighbors, promises kept, and money handled fairly. The psalm ends by saying that a person who lives this way will stand firm.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
1Lord, who may stay in your tent, the place where people worship you? Who may live on your holy hill?
"Tabernacle" was a large tent. It was the place where God met with his people before the temple was built. The "holy hill" is the hill in Jerusalem where that worship happened.
2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
2It is the person who does what is right and good. He tells the truth, and he means it deep inside.
3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
3He does not say mean things about others. He does not hurt his neighbor. He does not spread shame about a friend.
4In 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.
4He does not look up to people who do wrong. He honors people who love and obey the Lord. When he makes a promise, he keeps it, even if keeping it costs him.
5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
5He does not lend money and charge extra to get it back. He will not take money to hurt someone who did nothing wrong. A person who lives this way will always stand firm.
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