Psalms 15:4

Psalms 15:4

Verse 4 continues the portrait of the righteous man: “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.” The contrast is deliberate: they who set apart the fear of the Lord treat the corrupt with disdain while esteeming the godly. Honoring those who fear the Lord reflects a reverence for covenant loyalty and humility before God. The phrase “sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not” highlights integrity even when keeping a promise costs the promisee something (loss of advantage, personal risk, or hardship). In an honor-shameless world, this is countercultural: truth-telling and steadfast commitments that cost you personally. The verse presumes a social order where oaths and covenant commitments mattered—especially in legal, commercial, and communal life—underlining that faithfulness is not situational.

This verse underscores God-centered ethics: true fidelity is tested in costly commitments and in respecting the righteous. Honoring those who fear the Lord aligns with the biblical principle of honoring God through the way we honor His people. The promise-keeping “to your own hurt” echoes God’s own faithfulness, inviting believers to mirror divine constancy even at personal expense. The contempt for the vile—and the reverence for the holy—creates healthy boundaries within community. This is not mere social nicety; it anchors moral discernment, preventing compromise with sin and idolatry. The verse also hints at the virtue of integrity inside the fabric of social life: oaths must be upheld, even when they don’t advantage us. It points to a righteous stubbornness—steadfast fidelity in character as a witness to God.

Practical steps:

- If you’ve pledged support, service, or testimony to someone, follow through even when it costs you.

- When evaluating colleagues or neighbors, treat the godly with respect, while keeping a healthy moral boundary with those who promote harmful values.

- Be cautious about swearing oaths or making promises in the heat of the moment; if you commit, honor the obligation.

- Choose integrity over convenience; for example, don’t bend the truth to protect yourself in a premium deal or exaggerate in a presentation.

Cross-References: Psalm 15:4; Proverbs 3:3-4; Revelation 21:8; James 5:12; Leviticus 19:12