Psalm 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse further develops the character of the righteous by focusing on their moral discernment, their honor toward the godly, and their sacred commitment to keeping their word regardless of cost.
What Does Psalm 15:4 Mean?
Psalm 15:4 deepens the portrait by describing the righteous person's discernment and commitments. The verse begins by saying that the godly person 'contemns' (despises, holds in low regard) those whose ways are vile — not from arrogance but from a clear-eyed recognition that wickedness is indeed contemptible. At the same time, this person 'honoureth them that fear the LORD,' showing reverence and respect for the godly. This is a crucial balance: not mingling with the wicked while eagerly honoring the righteous. The person who dwells in God's presence has developed a sound moral judgment that can distinguish between the path of righteousness and the path of destruction.
The second part of the verse touches on one of the deepest tests of integrity: 'he that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.' This is the person who takes an oath and keeps it even when keeping it costs him dearly. Imagine promising something, then discovering it will harm your interests — the righteous person honors the commitment anyway. This kind of faithfulness is rare and precious, revealing a character so oriented toward truth and honor that personal loss cannot shake it. Such integrity marks someone whose word is absolutely reliable and whose commitment to justice transcends self-interest.
In the Original Language
The word 'bazah' (despise) means to treat with contempt or to hold in low regard; 'nishmar' (keepeth, changeth not) suggests being on guard, being careful not to alter what has been sworn.
Cross References
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
- Proverbs 8:13
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it: for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.”
- Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
“They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.”
- Psalm 119:74
Application
Develop spiritual discernment to recognize holiness and wickedness, honoring the godly while maintaining clear boundaries against evil. When you make a promise, keep it faithfully even if circumstances change or the cost becomes higher than expected.