Psalm 15 4

Psalm 15:4 kjv

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

Psalm 15:4 nkjv

In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

Psalm 15:4 niv

who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

Psalm 15:4 esv

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;

Psalm 15:4 nlt

Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the LORD,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.

Psalm 15 verses

Psalm 15 4 Meaning

Psalm 15:4 describes key moral characteristics of one who dwells righteously in God's presence. It identifies a person whose moral discernment is so sharp that they inwardly despise the contemptible, yet actively honor and respect those who truly revere the Lord. Furthermore, this individual demonstrates unwavering integrity by upholding their word, even when doing so results in personal disadvantage or hardship, refusing to alter a solemn commitment.

Psalm 15 4 Context

Psalm 15 is often categorized as a "Torah Psalm" or "Entrance Liturgy," outlining the moral and ethical requirements for an individual to enter and abide in God's holy presence, presumably within the Tabernacle or later the Temple. It functions as a catechetical instruction, posing a question in verse 1 ("Who may dwell...?") and providing a ten-point character sketch of the ideal worshiper in verses 2-5.

Historically, this Psalm may have been recited by pilgrims approaching the Jerusalem Temple or by priests ministering there, serving as a reminder that mere ritual or physical proximity was insufficient without a corresponding inner purity and outward righteousness. This specific verse (v. 4) counters the prevalent societal inclination to honor people based on their wealth, power, or status, regardless of their moral standing. It implicitly challenges a system where unrighteous oaths could be conveniently broken for personal gain, asserting that divine favor rests not on external appearance or self-interest, but on sincere moral discernment, reverence for God, and steadfast integrity. The psalm emphasizes that access to God's presence requires true inward godliness expressed through upright conduct in all aspects of life.

Psalm 15 4 Word analysis

• in whose eyes: This phrase denotes one's inner perspective, moral judgment, and discernment. It indicates that the righteous person processes and evaluates others based on spiritual and ethical standards, not worldly ones.

• a vile person (נִבְזֶה, nivzeh): This Hebrew term describes someone contemptible, despicable, or worthless in a moral sense. It refers to an individual characterized by depraved actions or attitudes, often associated with rebellion against God or ungodly behavior.

• is despised (נִמְאָס, nim'as): Meaning "rejected," "loathed," or "held in contempt." This is not a judgment of status but a righteous, internal rejection and disdain for the moral character of the "vile person." It reflects a strong moral antipathy to unrighteousness, rooted in one's devotion to God.

• but who honors (יְכַבֵּד, yekhabed): From the root meaning "heavy" or "weighty." To "honor" is to give weight, importance, and high regard. This implies actively valuing, respecting, and appreciating the intrinsic worth and actions of the person.

• those who fear the Lord (יִרְאֵי יְהוָה, yir'ei YHVH): This refers to individuals whose lives are marked by a deep reverence, awe, and submission to God. This "fear" is not dread but a profound respect and devotion that leads to humble obedience, trust, and worship. It is a cornerstone of biblical wisdom and righteousness.

• who swears (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba'): Implies making a solemn promise or oath, often by invoking a divine name, thus calling God as witness to its truth. This act signifies a commitment of profound gravity.

• to his own hurt (לְהָרַע לוֹ, le'hara' lo): This crucial phrase signifies extreme integrity. It means the person fulfills their vow even if it causes personal loss, disadvantage, harm, or difficulty. The commitment to truth and righteousness overrides self-interest or convenience.

• and does not change (וְלֹא יָמִר, ve'lo yamir): From the root mur, meaning "to exchange, alter, substitute." This reinforces the steadfastness and immutability of the promise once made. There is no backtracking, renegotiating for personal benefit, or finding excuses to default. The word given stands firm.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord": This segment highlights righteous discernment and selective association. It portrays a person with a clear moral compass who discriminates against ungodliness and actively celebrates true piety. This moral polarization defines their relationships and social interaction, demonstrating a commitment to holiness over worldly affiliations or convenience.
  • "who swears to his own hurt and does not change": This segment emphasizes profound integrity and unwavering trustworthiness. It describes someone whose verbal commitments are sacrosanct, demonstrating faithfulness to a degree that willingly accepts personal sacrifice rather than compromising truth or breaking a solemn promise. This reflects a character built on absolute reliability.

Psalm 15 4 Bonus section

• Reflecting God's Character: The qualities described in this verse reflect God's own character. God despises wickedness (Ps 5:5; Prov 6:16-19) and honors those who fear Him (1 Sam 2:30; Ps 91:15). Most importantly, God is unchanging and faithful to His word and promises (Num 23:19; Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8). Thus, the righteous person strives to imitate the very nature of God in their conduct and discernment.
• Integrity as Social Glue: In a covenant community, the unwavering integrity described ("swears to his own hurt and does not change") is foundational for trust and healthy relationships. A society where oaths are reliably kept, even when inconvenient, fosters stability, justice, and strong communal bonds. Breaking vows undermines the very fabric of society.
• Christ as the Exemplar: Jesus Christ perfectly embodies the qualities of Psalm 15. His discernment of evil was absolute (John 2:24-25; 8:44), and He consistently honored the Father and those who sought God's will. His faithfulness in fulfilling His mission, even to the agony of the cross, perfectly illustrates swearing to His own hurt and not changing His commitment to God's will (Heb 5:7-9; 10:5-10).

Psalm 15 4 Commentary

Psalm 15:4 profoundly delineates the moral core of a true worshiper, presenting two defining characteristics: discerning spiritual judgment and unyielding integrity. The first quality reveals an inner spiritual eye that rightly assesses individuals: abhorring those who are morally corrupt (nivzeh) due to their defiance of God's ways, yet holding in high esteem (yekhabed) those who sincerely revere the Lord (yir'ei YHVH). This isn't mere social preference but a righteous alignment of one's inner values with God's holiness, separating from wickedness and cleaving to godliness. The second quality highlights exceptional truthfulness: keeping an oath even when doing so results in personal detriment (le'hara' lo). This demonstrates a fidelity to one's word that mirrors God's own unchangeable nature and unwavering faithfulness. This individual chooses honesty and reliability over convenience or profit, proving that their commitment to truth is absolute, costly, and uncompromising. Ultimately, this verse underscores that genuine righteousness is an active, discerning, and costly commitment that shapes one's relationships and stands firm under all circumstances.