“O LORD, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?”
There is no greater desire we can have than to dwell in God’s favor and in His presence. The Scriptures make clear that there are conditions for doing so.
1) “He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”
In a world sadly lacking in integrity, God’s people should exemplify this much needed character trait in their lives and relationships. Integrity demands a speaking of truth in one’s own heart. Too often, words for various reasons, do not match what is going on in the heart.
2) “He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;”
Many times in the scriptures we are warned to avoid gossip, slander, evil speaking. Loyalty is one of the marks of true friendship and includes the attitude of always thinking the best and giving the other person the benefit of the doubt, rather than thinking the worst or harboring suspicions and assumptions.
3) “In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord;”
The man who enjoys the presence of the Lord does not have a casual attitude toward the wicked or the ungodly;
rather, he prefers and chooses the company of those who fear the Lord and walk in humility.
4) “He swears to his own hurt, and does not change;”
This person’s word can be counted on without exception. Even if a promise made brings later inconvenience or strain, this person will keep his word even at great cost to himself. Why does he do so? Because he has learned that wonderful characteristic that reflects the nature of God: that the other person is more important than himself and therefore a promise made is a promise kept. Isn’t this exactly how God is towards us?
5) “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.”
The godly man or woman does not take advantage of others for his own gain, whether materially, emotionally, financially or otherwise. And the promise of God is that the one who will seek to grow in the character described in this psalm, will never be shaken, even in difficult times.
May it be said of Engineered Concrete that we are Psalm 15 people!