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Psalm 15:4 who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,
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who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. <i>He that</i> sweareth to <i>his own</i> hurt, and changeth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He <i>who</i> swears to his own hurt and does not change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A despicable person is despised in his eyes, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt and does not change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear Yahweh; He swears to his own hurt and does not change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In his eyes an evil person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD [and obediently worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder]. He keeps his word even to his own disadvantage and does not change it [for his own benefit];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who despises the one rejected by the LORD but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his word whatever the cost,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who despises the one rejected by the LORD but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his word whatever the cost, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honoreth them that fear Jehovah; He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They hate worthless people, but show respect for all who worship the LORD. And they keep their promises, no matter what the cost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />In whose eyes a reprobate is despised; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The one who despises those rejected by God but honors those who fear the LORD. The one who makes a promise and does not break it, even though he is hurt by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They despise those whom God rejects, but honor those who obey the LORD. They always do what they promise, no matter how much it may cost. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who despises those who are utterly wicked, but who honors the one who fears the LORD, who keeps his word even when it hurts and does not change,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He despises a reprobate, but honors the LORD's loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In his eyes a vile man is despised, but he honors those who fear the LORD. He keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn't change it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />in whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honors those who fear Yahweh; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn’t change; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A rejected one [is] despised in his eyes, "" And he honors those fearing YHWH. He has sworn to endure evil, and does not change;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Despised in his eyes is a rejected one, And those fearing Jehovah he doth honour. He hath sworn to suffer evil, and changeth not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In his eyes a reprobate being despised; and those fearing Jehovah, he will honor. Swearing to the friend, and he will not change.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his neighbour, and deceiveth not; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 14:4>In his sight, the malicious one has been reduced to nothing, but he glorifies those who fear the Lord. He who swears to his neighbor and does not deceive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the LORD; Who keeps an oath despite the cost, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the LORD; who stand by their oath even to their hurt;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In whose eyes a detestable person is despised; but he honors them that worship the LORD; he that swears to his neighbor and lies not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the quarrelsome are despised in his eyes and he honors the worshipers of LORD JEHOVAH; he swears to his neighbor and does not lie.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honoureth them that fear the LORD; He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In his sight an evil-worker is set at nought, but he honours them that fear the Lord. He swears to his neighbour, and disappoints <i>him</i> not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/15-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=1241" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/15.htm">Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/959.htm" title="959: niḇ·zeh (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disesteem.">who despises</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nāw (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: nim·’ās (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">the vile</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: yə·ḵab·bêḏ (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">honors</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yir·’ê (Adj-mpc) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">those who fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">who does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4171.htm" title="4171: yā·mir (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To change. A primitive root; to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of.">revise</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: lə·hā·ra‘ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">a costly</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: niš·ba‘ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">oath,</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a></span><br />Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a></span><br />Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a></span><br />Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Joshua 9:18-20</a></span><br />But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders. / All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. / This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a></span><br />Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">2 Corinthians 1:17-20</a></span><br />When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say “Yes, yes” and also “No, no”? / But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” / For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a></span><br />Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">1 Samuel 20:16-17</a></span><br />So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” / And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16-18</a></span><br />Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. / So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. / Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-5.htm">1 John 2:5</a></span><br />But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-42.htm">1 Kings 2:42-43</a></span><br />the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’ / So why have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the command that I gave you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-9.htm">Colossians 3:9</a></span><br />Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Zechariah 8:16-17</a></span><br />These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, / do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honors them that fear the LORD. He that swears to his own hurt, and changes not.</p><p class="hdg">a vile</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/101-4.htm">Psalm 101:4</a></b></br> A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked <i>person</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/3-13.htm">2 Kings 3:13,14</a></b></br> And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Esther 3:2</a></b></br> And all the king's servants, that <i>were</i> in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did <i>him</i> reverence.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-3.htm">Psalm 16:3</a></b></br> <i>But</i> to the saints that <i>are</i> in the earth, and <i>to</i> the excellent, in whom <i>is</i> all my delight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/101-6.htm">Psalm 101:6</a></b></br> Mine eyes <i>shall be</i> upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-63.htm">Psalm 119:63</a></b></br> I <i>am</i> a companion of all <i>them</i> that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.</p><p class="hdg">sweareth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Joshua 9:18-20</a></b></br> And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-35.htm">Judges 11:35</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">2 Samuel 21:1,2</a></b></br> Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, <i>It is</i> for Saul, and for <i>his</i> bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/9-4.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/job/29-22.htm">Change</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-13.htm">Changeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-14.htm">Contemned</a> <a href="/psalms/10-13.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/13-3.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/14-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/job/1-9.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/psalms/7-14.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/john/8-54.htm">Honoreth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">Honors</a> <a href="/psalms/8-5.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/john/8-54.htm">Honoureth</a> <a href="/job/35-8.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Hurts</a> <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/psalms/11-4.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/job/31-30.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/job/34-33.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Reprobate</a> <a href="/psalms/9-13.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-24.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-22.htm">Swears</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-15.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/psalms/9-3.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Vile</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/45-12.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Change</a> <a href="/psalms/90-5.htm">Changeth</a> <a href="/psalms/74-18.htm">Contemned</a> <a href="/psalms/22-6.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/17-2.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/25-12.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/psalms/16-7.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Honoreth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-23.htm">Honors</a> <a href="/psalms/16-9.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/50-23.htm">Honoureth</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-17.htm">Hurts</a> <a href="/psalms/31-23.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/psalms/22-28.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/psalms/43-2.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-30.htm">Reprobate</a> <a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/psalms/63-11.htm">Swears</a> <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/psalms/18-21.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/psalms/41-8.htm">Vile</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">David describes a citizen of Zion</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>who despises the vile</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the moral discernment expected of the righteous. In biblical context, "vile" refers to those who are morally corrupt or wicked. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on community purity and holiness, as seen in the laws given in Leviticus. The righteous person is called to reject and distance themselves from evil influences, aligning with passages like <a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Proverbs 8:13</a>, which states, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil." This reflects a commitment to God's standards and a rejection of sin, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.<p><b>but honors those who fear the LORD</b><br>Honoring those who fear the LORD signifies recognizing and valuing individuals who live in reverence and obedience to God. This aligns with the biblical principle of community and mutual encouragement found in <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a>. In the historical context of Israel, fearing the LORD was synonymous with living according to His commandments and statutes. This phrase also echoes the wisdom literature, such as <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a>, which praises the woman who fears the LORD. It underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences and respecting those who uphold God's covenant.<p><b>who does not revise a costly oath</b><br>This phrase highlights the integrity and faithfulness expected of the righteous. In ancient Israel, oaths were serious commitments made before God, as seen in <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>, which states that a man must not break his word. The cultural context emphasized the sanctity of one's word, and breaking an oath was seen as a grave offense. This principle is further reinforced by Jesus in <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a>, where He teaches that one's "yes" should be "yes," and "no," "no." The phrase suggests a type of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and who exemplifies perfect faithfulness and truth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/15.htm">Psalm 15</a>, King David, is traditionally understood to have written this psalm as a reflection on the character of those who may dwell in the presence of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The central figure in the psalm, representing the holy and righteous God whom the psalmist seeks to honor and serve.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_vile.htm">The Vile</a></b><br>Refers to those who are morally corrupt or wicked, whom the righteous person despises.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/those_who_fear_the_lord.htm">Those Who Fear the LORD</a></b><br>Individuals who live in reverence and awe of God, demonstrating obedience and respect for His commandments.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/o/oath.htm">Oath</a></b><br>A solemn promise or commitment, often made in the presence of God, which the righteous person does not break even when it is costly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>The righteous person maintains integrity by despising evil and honoring those who live in reverence to God. This calls for discernment in our relationships and associations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_truth.htm">Commitment to Truth</a></b><br>Upholding one's promises, even when it is costly, reflects a commitment to truth and integrity. This challenges us to be people of our word, reflecting God's faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god.htm">Reverence for God</a></b><br>Honoring those who fear the LORD demonstrates a shared reverence for God and His ways. We are encouraged to support and uplift fellow believers who live in obedience to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_discernment.htm">Moral Discernment</a></b><br>Despising the vile requires moral discernment and a commitment to God's standards of righteousness. This involves actively rejecting evil influences in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_15_4_clash_with_matthew_5_44.htm">Psalm 15:4 endorses despising the vile while honoring the godly; does this clash with New Testament commands to love enemies (e.g., Matthew 5:44)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_flawed_david_teach_morality.htm">If Psalm 15 is attributed to David, how can a flawed king instruct perfect moral conduct without undermining his own credibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_15_contradict_god's_open_invite.htm">Psalm 15:1 says only certain people can dwell with the Lord; doesn’t this contradict the broader biblical idea of God’s universal invitation? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jonathan's_covenant_with_david_inconsistent.htm">Does the nature of Jonathan’s covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">In whose eyes.</span>--The first clause is obscure. The subject and predicate are not clearly marked; but the Authorised Version gives the right sense. It is quite out of keeping with the context to make both verbs predicates, and to translate, "He is despised and rejected in his own eyes," <span class= "ital">i.e., thinks humbly of himself. </span>The meaning is, "Those deserving contempt are contemned; but the good who fear Jehovah are honoured."<p><span class= "bld">To his own hurt.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">to do evil, i.e., </span>to him-self (see <a href="/leviticus/5-4.htm" title="Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these.">Leviticus 5:4</a>). The LXX., by transposing the letters, read, "to his neighbour;" and the English Prayer Book version has apparently combined the two thoughts: "Who sweareth to his neighbour, and dis-appointeth him not, even though it were to his own hindrance."<p>"His words are bonds, his oaths are oracles,<p>His love sincere, his thoughts immaculate;<p>His tears pure messengers sent from his heart,<p>His heart is far from fraud as heaven from earth."<p>SHAKSPEARE: <span class= "ital">Two Gentlemen of Verona.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In whose eyes a vile person is contemned</span>. So the LXX., the Vulgate, Ewald, Hupfeld, Hengstenberg, and the Revised Version. Others prefer to translate, "He is despised in his own eyes, [and] worthless" (Abort Ezra, Hitzig, Delitzsch, Kay, 'Speaker's Commentary'). Either rendering furnishes a good sense; but the law of parallelism is very decidedly in favour of the former. As the righteous man honors those who fear God, so he contemns those who are vile or worthless. He is no respecter of persons. Men's outward circumstances are nothing to him. He awards honour or contempt according to men's moral qualities. But he honoreth them that fear the Lord. "It is no common virtue," says Calvin, "to honour pious and godly men, since in the opinion of the world they are often as the offscouring of all things (1 Corinthans 4:13)? He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. The righteous man, if he happens to have sworn to do something which it turns out will be to his own hurt, nevertheless keeps his engagement (comp <a href="/leviticus/5-4.htm">Leviticus 5:4</a>, where <span class="hebrew">לְהָרַע</span> is used in the same sense). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/15-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">who despises</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבְזֶ֤ה ׀</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_959.htm">Strong's 959: </a> </span><span class="str2">To disesteem</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the vile</span><br /><span class="heb">נִמְאָ֗ס</span> <span class="translit">(nim·’ās)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spurn, to disappear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">honors</span><br /><span class="heb">יְכַבֵּ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḵab·bêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who fear</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְאֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(yir·’ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3373.htm">Strong's 3373: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fearing, reverent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who does not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">revise</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mir)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4171.htm">Strong's 4171: </a> </span><span class="str2">To alter, to barter, to dispose of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a costly</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝הָרַ֗ע</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·ra‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad</span><br /><br /><span class="word">oath,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִשְׁבַּ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(niš·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seven oneself, swear</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 15:4 In whose eyes a vile man (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/15-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 15:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 15:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/15-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 15:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 15:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>