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 verse doesn't just condemn unfair lending practices; it highlights that "usury" itself, from the Hebrew word meaning "to bite," inherently carries a negative connotation of preying on others. It connects this financial exploitation directly with the corruption of justice through bribery, showing that both actions represent a fundamental disregard for the well-being and innocence of others. The promise that such a person "shall never be moved" is a profound assurance of divine stability and steadfastness for those who embody integrity in both their financial dealings and their commitment to justice.
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 psalm is building a portrait of someone truly righteous, a model of faithfulness fit to dwell in God's presence. After asking broad questions about who qualifies, the psalmist now lists specific actions and attitudes, detailing the practical outflow of a heart devoted to God, contrasting with the corrupt practices of the world.
The Psalmist mentions 'usury.' What does that mean for us today, and why is it linked to an unshakable life?
The prohibition against putting out money at 'usury' (the Hebrew word literally means 'to bite') in ancient Israel was primarily about protecting the vulnerable, especially fellow Israelites. It wasn't necessarily a blanket condemnation of all interest, but a call to shun exploitative financial practices.
The Principle Behind the Rule
Bribery seems straightforwardly wrong, but what does it truly cost a person's integrity, and why does it threaten their stability?
The second part of the verse condemns taking a 'reward against the innocent.' This points to the critical role of justice and impartiality, especially in legal matters.
Ask a follow-up
The Corrosive Effect of Bribery
What does it truly mean to 'never be moved,' and how do these ethical actions secure such a promise?
The conclusion of the verse offers a profound promise: 'He who does these things shall never be moved.' This isn't a promise of a life free from challenges, but a guarantee of deep-seated stability and security.
What 'Never Be Moved' Means
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.
The prohibition against usury in Psalm 15:5, especially concerning fellow Israelites, wasn't just an economic regulation but a deeply ethical command rooted in the Law and reinforced by the prophets, highlighting God's concern for the vulnerable within the covenant community.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Law Given
The foundational laws of Israel, including prohibitions against usury within the community, are given at Mount Sinai.
c. 800-600 BC
Prophetic Denunciations of Injustice
Prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel speak out strongly against exploitation, bribery, and social injustice, reinforcing the principles found in the Psalms.
c. 500 BC— this verse
Exilic and Post-Exilic Period
Many Psalms were likely compiled or refined during and after the Babylonian exile, a time when adherence to God's law and righteous living were paramount for national and spiritual survival.
c. 400 BC
Temple Reconstruction and Worship
Following the return from exile, the focus on rebuilding the Temple and establishing pure worship in Jerusalem underscores the importance of a righteous community.
This passage directly addresses the prohibition of taking interest from fellow Israelites, emphasizing the principle of not oppressing the poor and showing compassion, which underpins the Psalmist's caution against 'biting' usury.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20This verse provides a crucial distinction, allowing interest on loans to foreigners while forbidding it among brothers, highlighting the ethical imperative of not exploiting one's own community.
Exodus 23:8This verse strongly condemns the taking of bribes, stating that 'a bribe kills the soul' or 'corrupts the understanding,' which directly parallels the Psalmist's condemnation of taking a reward against the innocent.
Isaiah 33:15This passage describes the righteous person as one who 'stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil,' echoing the integrity required to refuse both exploitative gain and corrupting bribes.
Matthew 7:12Jesus' Golden Rule, 'So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them,' encapsulates the core ethical principle behind the Psalm's commands against usury and bribery, urging us to treat others with the same fairness we expect.
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…
This verse doesn't just condemn unfair lending practices; it highlights that "usury" itself, from the Hebrew word meaning "to bite," inherently carries a negative connotation of preying on others. It connects this financial exploitation directly with the corruption of justice through bribery, showing that both actions represent a fundamental disregard for the well-being and innocence of others. The promise that such a person "shall never be moved" is a profound assurance of divine stability and steadfastness for those who embody integrity in both their financial dealings and their commitment to justice.
This psalm is building a portrait of someone truly righteous, a model of faithfulness fit to dwell in God's presence. After asking broad questions about who qualifies, the psalmist now lists specific actions and attitudes, detailing the practical outflow of a heart devoted to God, contrasting with the corrupt practices of the world.
This psalm is building a portrait of someone truly righteous, a model of faithfulness fit to dwell in God's presence. After asking broad questions about who qualifies, the psalmist now lists specific actions and attitudes, detailing the practical outflow of a heart devoted to God, contrasting with the corrupt practices of the world.
"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." — This verse doesn't just condemn unfair lending practices; it highlights that "usury" itself, from the Hebrew word meaning "to bite," inherently carries a negative connotation of preying on others. It…
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Last reviewed October 2026