Psalms 15:5
who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just condemn blatant greed; it highlights the subtle sin of "biting" interest, suggesting that any financial gain made through another's loss, especially when they're vulnerable, is prohibited. It also links this financial injustice directly with taking bribes against the innocent, showing that maintaining God's favor requires integrity in both economic dealings and legal judgments.
This verse continues David's description of the righteous person who is fit to dwell with God, moving from general principles of honesty and truthfulness to specific prohibitions against economic injustice. It highlights the importance of not oppressing others through exploitative lending practices or by corrupting the justice system to harm the innocent. The concluding promise emphasizes the stability and security such a life of integrity brings under God's care.
The Psalmist directly addresses financial dealings, but it’s not just about following rules. It's about a heart that refuses to 'bite' others through unfair lending.
The verse mentions not putting out money 'to usury.' The original Hebrew word carries the idea of 'biting,' like a serpent. This isn't just about a specific interest rate, but about any financial practice that unjustly harms another, especially the vulnerable.
The Principle of Care
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 15:5 is available in the Sola app.
The second part of the verse speaks powerfully against accepting bribes. This isn't just about legal corruption; it's a deep-seated refusal to pervert justice for personal gain.
Taking a 'reward against the innocent' means accepting payment or favor to deliberately harm someone’s just cause. This is a direct assault on truth and righteousness.
Standing for the Innocent
Understand the original words
neshek · Hebrew Noun
Charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, which was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law to protect the poor from exploitation and foster community support.
shochad · Hebrew Noun
A gift or payment given to influence a judgment or decision, specifically used to pervert justice and condemn the innocent.
naqi · Hebrew Adjective
One who is free from guilt or blame, especially in the context of legal proceedings; one who has not committed the offense in question.
mut · Hebrew Verb
To be shaken or made to totter; figuratively, it refers to the stability and security of a person whose life is firmly established in the favor and presence of God.
In the post-exilic period, rebuilding the community and the Temple demanded a renewed emphasis on ethical conduct. This psalm, likely used in worship, outlines the righteous character expected of those seeking God's favor, especially in a society needing to restore justice and avoid the exploitative practices that may have contributed to past calamities.
c. 1400-400 BC
Mosaic Law Promulgated
The Law of Moses, given to Israel, contains regulations regarding lending money, specifically prohibiting usury (charging interest) between fellow Israelites (e.g., Leviticus 25:35-37). This was intended to protect the poor and foster community.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Captivity of Northern Kingdom
The fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians marked a period of upheaval and displacement, impacting social and economic stability.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled many of Jerusalem's elite, including Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel. This event significantly disrupted Jewish society and governance.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to the Babylonian Exile. This was a catastrophic event that profoundly affected Jewish identity and worship.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Permits Return from Exile
King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 450-400 BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period and Temple Rebuilding
Following the return from exile, the Jews worked to re-establish their community and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem under challenging political and social conditions, facing internal strife and external opposition.
This passage directly addresses the prohibition of taking interest from fellow Israelites, grounding it in the principle of supporting those in need and preventing oppression, which is central to Psalm 15:5.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20This text provides a crucial nuance by allowing interest to be charged to foreigners, highlighting that the prohibition in the Law was specifically about maintaining brotherhood and preventing exploitation within the Israelite community.
Ezekiel lists not taking interest (usury) and not taking bribes among the righteous actions of one who will live, paralleling the ethical framework and consequences described in Psalm 15.
Jesus' Golden Rule, 'Do to others as you would have them do to you,' encapsulates the ethical heart of Psalm 15:5 by calling for fair and just treatment in all dealings, especially concerning financial matters and the innocent.
Proverbs 17:23This proverb speaks directly to the taking of bribes, stating that a bribe is taken secretly and perverts the ways of justice, reinforcing the condemnation of bribery found in Psalm 15:5.
calvinPsalms 15:5: "He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved."
- He putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh bribes upon the innocent. He that doeth these things shall not be moved for ever.
In this verse David enjoins the godly neither to oppress their neighbors by usury, nor to suffer themselves to be corrupted with bribes to favor unrighteous causes. With respect to the first clause, as David seems t…
ellicottPsalms 15:5: "He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved."
(5) Usury was not forbidden in the legitimate commercial dealings with foreigners ( Deuteronomy 23:20 ); and the laws against it seem to have had exclusive reference to dealings among Israelites themselves, and were evidently enacted more with a view to the protection of the poor than because the idea of usury in itself was considered wrong ( Exodus…
The verse doesn't just condemn blatant greed; it highlights the subtle sin of "biting" interest, suggesting that any financial gain made through another's loss, especially when they're vulnerable, is prohibited. It also links this financial injustice directly with taking bribes against the innocent, showing that maintaining God's favor requires integrity in both economic dealings and legal judgments.
This verse continues David's description of the righteous person who is fit to dwell with God, moving from general principles of honesty and truthfulness to specific prohibitions against economic injustice. It highlights the importance of not oppressing others through exploitative lending practices or by corrupting the justice system to harm the innocent. The concluding promise emphasizes the stability and security such a life of integrity brings under God's care.
This verse continues David's description of the righteous person who is fit to dwell with God, moving from general principles of honesty and truthfulness to specific prohibitions against economic injustice. It highlights the importance of not oppressing others through exploitative lending practices or by corrupting the justice system to harm the innocent. The concluding promise emphasizes the stability and security such a life of integrity brings under God's care.
"who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved." — The verse doesn't just condemn blatant greed; it highlights the subtle sin of "biting" interest, suggesting that any financial gain made through another's loss, especially when they're vulnerable,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
