Psalms 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.
Psalms 15:5
Verse 5 closes the psalm’s moral portrait: “He that putteth not his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Usury here is exploiting others financially—charging unfair interest or using vulnerability to gain profit. The second clause condemns bribery or taking gifts to pervert justice. The final statement promises stability for the righteous: a life marked by financial honesty and justice toward the vulnerable yields enduring security before God. In ancient Israel, economic justice was a central aspect of social righteousness. The oppressed, widows, orphans, and foreigners depended on fair treatment. The eschatological element suggests that such steadfastness isn’t accidental but rooted in covenant faithfulness.
Economic ethics reflect the heart of God for justice. The prohibition of usury against the vulnerable aligns with the Law’s emphasis on fair dealing, generosity, and protection of the weak. Bribery and corruption compromise justice and communal well-being—issues Jesus would later address in his critique of temple markets and religious leaders. The promise “shall never be moved” ties stability to righteousness: God strengthens the righteous whose lives reflect covenant loyalty, providing a steadfast inheritance beyond mere material wealth.
Practical steps:
- Practice fair lending and transparent pricing; avoid exploitation in business or loans.
- Do not accept bribes or rewards intended to influence judgment.
- Protect the vulnerable: offer fair terms, grace in debt, or alternatives to exploitative arrangements.
- When in leadership, implement policies that prevent corruption and promote ethical standards.
Cross-References: Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 19:35-36; Proverbs 22:16; Luke 3:12-14; Ezekiel 22:13