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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist isn't just talking about despising wicked people; he highlights that our true character is revealed by who we honor. This means we actively value those who walk with God, even if they're overlooked by the world.
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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage delves into the character of someone who truly belongs in God's presence. It follows descriptions of refraining from slander and deceit, emphasizing that a righteous person discerns true worth, despising the wicked while honoring those who fear the Lord, regardless of social standing. This commitment to integrity extends to keeping solemn promises, even when they become difficult or costly.
We all make judgments about people every day. But are our evaluations rooted in God's values or the world's?
This verse calls us to a discerning heart. It challenges us to look beyond superficial markers of success or status.
Worldly vs. Godly Values
A 'vile person' is someone thoroughly wicked, an 'abandoned' individual who is repulsive to God's way. The world might elevate such a person because of wealth, position, or perceived success. But the one who truly fears the Lord sees past the glitter. They recognize the deep brokenness and the ultimate worthlessness of a life lived apart from God.
Honoring the Godly
Conversely, true honor is reserved for those who 'fear the LORD.' This doesn't necessarily mean the rich, the powerful, or the popular. It means those whose lives are marked by reverence for God and a commitment to His ways. Regardless of their earthly standing, they are to be esteemed, loved, and shown respect.
Promises matter. But what happens when keeping a promise comes at a significant personal cost?
This part of the verse speaks powerfully about integrity, even when it's inconvenient or painful.
Oaths as Sacred Commitments
In ancient times, and still today, an oath is a solemn promise, often invoked in the name of God. To swear 'to his own hurt' means making a commitment that later proves to be financially damaging, personally costly, or otherwise disadvantageous.
Ask a follow-up
Steadfastness in the Face of Loss
The crucial element here is 'and changeth not.' This isn't about stubbornly refusing to change a bad decision; it's about the unwavering commitment to uphold a promise once made, especially when that promise was made in good faith. It means sacrificing personal interest for the sake of integrity and faithfulness. It shows that your word, and especially your oath, is binding, regardless of the personal consequences. This kind of steadfastness builds trust and demonstrates a deep respect for God's name and for the commitments made under His gaze.
Understand the original words
yare YHWH · Hebrew Verb
A reference to the deepest form of relational and spiritual submission to God, characterized by awe, reverence, and obedience to His commands.
This passage speaks of a future Messianic age where the foolish and the wicked will no longer be honored, echoing Psalm 15:4's emphasis on valuing character over status.
Matthew 14:9The story of John the Baptist illustrates the gravity of oaths and promises, showing how even a king's rash vow, when it involved wrongdoing, should not be kept, highlighting the nuance within Psalm 15:4's 'swears to his own hurt and changes not'.
Romans 12:10Paul's exhortation to 'love one another with brotherly affection' and 'outdo one another in showing honor' directly supports the idea in Psalm 15:4 of honoring those who fear the Lord.
Luke 17:10Jesus' teaching that servants should say 'We are unprofitable servants' after doing all they were commanded provides a similar perspective to the humbling self-assessment of a godly person who despises their own actions relative to God's commands, as some interpretations suggest for Psalm 15:4.
1 Samuel 2:30This verse states that God honors those who honor Him but will disdain those who move away from Him, mirroring Psalm 15:4's contrast between honoring the God-fearing and despising the vile.
poolePsalms 15:4: "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."
In whose eyes, i.e. in whose judgment and estimation, a vile person, i.e. one, that deserves contempt, an ungodly or wicked man, as appears from the next clause, where he that feareth God is opposed to him, is contemned or despised , notwithstanding all his wealth, and glory, and greatness. He doth not admire his person, nor envy his condition, n…
cambridgePsalms 15:4: "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."
4 . Render with R.V., In whose eyes a reprobate is despised. The truthfulness of his character is shewn in his estimate of men. The world’s false estimates are one of the evils which will disappear in the Messianic age ( Isaiah 32:5 ff.). A reprobate , one who is not good metal but worthless dross ( Jeremiah 6:30 ), he treats with well-merited co…
The Psalmist isn't just talking about despising wicked people; he highlights that our true character is revealed by who we honor. This means we actively value those who walk with God, even if they're overlooked by the world.
This passage delves into the character of someone who truly belongs in God's presence. It follows descriptions of refraining from slander and deceit, emphasizing that a righteous person discerns true worth, despising the wicked while honoring those who fear the Lord, regardless of social standing. This commitment to integrity extends to keeping solemn promises, even when they become difficult or costly.
This passage delves into the character of someone who truly belongs in God's presence. It follows descriptions of refraining from slander and deceit, emphasizing that a righteous person discerns true worth, despising the wicked while honoring those who fear the Lord, regardless of social standing. This commitment to integrity extends to keeping solemn promises, even when they become difficult or costly.
"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;" — The Psalmist isn't just talking about despising wicked people; he highlights that our true character is revealed by who we honor. This means we actively value those who walk with God, even if they'…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026