The Book of Psalms
Psalm 15
Psalm XV · Vol. II, p. 994
The proper character of a citizen of Zion.
A psalm of David.
2 He that bwalketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
b Is.33.15,16. Zec.8.16. 2 Co.1.12. Ac.24.16. Lu.1.6.
3 He that cbackbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh 2up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes da vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and echangeth not.3
Notes
Ver. 2. Let him that would search the Scriptures, not to give them a meaning, but to find it, read Je. 17.9; Ro. 3. 10, 11, 19, and compare them with the character described in this verse, and then say, Is not this certainly the Christ? C.
Ver. 4. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. Beareth true testimony, even when he knows it will be turned to his hurt. This Christ did when adjured by the high-priest, and, on his own testimony, perverted by the high-priest and council, the righteous was condemned, Mat. 26. 63-66. C.
Reflections.—Professors of religion have great need to examine themselves. Many have a place in God's church below who will never be admitted into his holy heaven. And if we would know our true state, God's word must be the sole standard, and his Spirit the great director and manager of our trial. It is not fair words, nor high pretences, but uniform obedience in heart and life to God's law, that will prove the reality of our grace. We must exercise ourselves to keep a conscience void of offence towards God and man; to keep good company; and to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather to reprove them. Though our holiness and virtue be not the foundation of our unchangeable happiness, they are the marks of our being rooted and grounded in Christ, our infallible establisher.