Psalms 15 · The Lantern

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle: or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?

The fourteenth psalm has been read at just the right moment; and it has come about in due order in such a way that it almost seems to have been read on purpose. The psalm was read in order: I think it has been brought about by God's dispensation that what was profitable to you should be recited today in the sequence of exposition.

All the defiled approach the tabernacle of the Lord, and there they are made undefiled. Jesus alone, undefiled, having entered the uncorrupted tabernacle, has freed us from the defilement of the flesh and has given us holiness.

Above, the Psalmist treated of the malice and deceit of his adversaries; here he treats of his own justice. And first he shows what kind of justice God accepts. Second, as though giving thanks, he shows the nature of his own justice, at "preserve me." The title: "a Psalm of David." In this Psalm he does two things: for, standing before God as a priest, he consults God.

Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life: and doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart.

In everything, therefore, good faith is seemly, justice is pleasing, due measure in equity is delightful. But what shall I say about contracts, and especially about the sale of land, or agreements or covenants? Are there not rules just for the purpose of shutting out all false deceit and to make him whose deceit is found out liable to double punishment?

Brothers, let us hear the Lord's answer to the question, an answer that shows the way to the heavenly tabernacle.… He who drives the tempter and his temptations far from his heart, defeats his malice and dashes his rising thoughts against the Rock Christ.

"He who." Here the response is set forth, and concerning this he does two things. First he commemorates the merits of those who dwell in the aforesaid places, namely in the tabernacle and on the holy mountain of God. Second, the reward, at "he who does these things shall not be moved forever." He sets forth ten effects of the virtues.

He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour: and hath not slandered his neighbour.

He who has practiced no deceit with his tongue: he who has uttered in speech what he has pondered in his mind. Nor has done evil to his neighbor. Some think that a neighbor is a brother, or a fellow townsman, or a kinsman, or a blood relation.

"Who speaks the truth in his heart." For some have truth on their lips, and not in their heart. As if one should deceitfully point out a road, knowing that there were robbers there, and should say, If you go this way, you will be safe from robbers; and it should turn out that in fact there were no robbers found there: he has spoken the truth, but not in his heart.

Second, that he should avoid evil, namely deceitfulness. Jer. 9: "Their tongue is a wounding arrow; it has spoken deceit." "He who has not practiced deceit with his tongue." Another reading: "who is not facile with his tongue." Prov.

He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes: and maketh much of them that fear the Lord.

Whoever abhors the wicked, even if they are very rich, while "honoring those who fear the Lord," even if they are very lowly and poor, will live in honor and respect.

"The malicious one has been brought to nought in his sight" [Psalm 15:4]. This is perfection, that the malicious one have no force against a man; and that this be "in his sight;" that is, that he know most surely that the malicious is not, save when the mind turns itself away from the eternal and immutable form of her own Creator to the form of the creature, which was made out…

Here he forbids deceiving one's neighbor. Now a neighbor is deceived in three ways: namely, in promises, and this through an oath. And so he says, "he who swears," etc. -- that is, he confirms something in order to deceive, because he does not keep it. Zech. 8: "Love not a false oath." Lev.

He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not: though it were to his own hindrance.

He that hath not given his money upon usury: nor taken reward against the innocent. Whoso doeth these things: shall never fall.

Psalms15