I bought a bible study methods book my Rick Warren and the first suggest chapter to study was Psalm 15. So I bought a study bible last week and sat down today to do it, and here's my thoughts, findings etc.
The theme of Psalm 15 is Guidelines for livng a blameless life.
The first verse to jump out at me in the NLT version was Verse 5 -
"Those who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent"
for obvious reasons given current circumstances and those over the past 6 months.
The first verse to jump out at me from the Message was Verse 4
"Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbour, despise the despicable"
Now I have thoughts on that but also because it doesn't say HATE the despicable hate in my eyes is a very strong word it sayd DESPISE so I looked up the word despise -
To feel a strong dislike for someone or something because you think they are bad or worthless.
To regard with contempt, distatse, disgust or disdain - scorn - loathe.
As i said I have thought and feeling on hate and dislike I cannot honestly say i HATE anyone so yes despise is a good word to use it's not about hating - its about disliking someones actions or motives!
Psalm 15 we are given 10 standards to detrmine how morally upright we are (accorsing to my study bible.
Perhaps nothing so identifies a Christian as their ability to control their speech.
In my study bible it cross references verses so here's some of the cross references i found useful.
v1 Psalm 27 v 6
"Then i will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me."
v2 Ephesians 4 v25
Lying to each other disupts unity by creating conflicts and destroying trust.
It tears down relationships and leads to open warfare in a church
v3 Exodus 23 v1
"You must not pass along false rumours"
Even if you do not initiate a lie, you become responsible if you pass it on.
Psalm 28 v 3
ITS EASY TO PRETEND FRIENDSHIP
Wicked people often put on a show of kindness or friendship in order to gain their own ends.
True believers should be straightforward and sincere in all their relationships.
v4 Judges 11 v 35
"God does not want promises for the future, but obedience for today."
So in conclusion I have taken the verses I like best out of each translation or paraphase and this is my version of Psalm 15
Guidelines for living a blameless life
Walk straight,
act right,
tell the truth,
Don't hurt you friend,
Don't blame your neighbour,
Despise the despicable.
Keep your word even when it costs you,
make an honest living,
never take a bribe
He who does these things will never be shaken
