Psalm 15

¹Lord , who may be a guest in your home?[#tn Heb “Who may live as a resident alien in your tent?”]

Who may live on your holy hill?

²Whoever lives a blameless life,[#tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”]

does what is right,

and speaks honestly.

³He does not slander,[#sn Hebrew literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age.; #tn Heb “he does not slander upon his tongue.” For another example of רָגַל (ragal, “slander”) see 2 Sam 19:28.]

or do harm to others,

or insult his neighbor.

⁴He despises a reprobate,[#tn Heb “despised in his eyes [is] a rejected [one].” The Hebrew term נִמְאָס (nim’as, “rejected [one]”) apparently refers here to one who has been rejected by God because of his godless behavior. It stands in contrast to “those who fear God” in the following line.]

but honors the Lord ’s loyal followers.

He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise.

⁵He does not charge interest when he lends his money.[#sn He does not charge interest. Such an individual is truly generous, and not simply concerned with making a profit.]

He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent.

The one who lives like this will never be upended.