Friday, July 11, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 15

O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue,
and do no evil to their friends,
nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised,
but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest,
and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved. (NRSV)

Reflection

King David’s catalog of ten good behaviors in this short but potent psalm sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Like the Ten Commandments, its basic code of conduct for walking closely with God calls us to a higher standard. Benjamin Franklin even termed it the “gentleman’s psalm” for representing the principles on which a gentleman should pattern his life.     

But how should we apply this clear and compelling blueprint in our daily lives with the constant complexities we confront? That’s a tough one because these moral principles pertain to what we must do, what we must say, and how we must use our resources to walk closely with God. 

Perhaps, as a disciple of Christ, the answer lies in simply wanting to do and be better in emulating Jesus. This list of directives certainly comprises conduct I must work on. What characteristics grab your attention? What must you work on from within? 

Our efforts to do and be better offer a worthy objective since, as the psalm concludes, “He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Please let this Psalm 15 hymn, “Lord, Who Shall Dwell in Thy Tabernacle,” sung by the Westminster Abbey choir, assist in contemplating King David’s list.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, even when we fall short, help us strive to abide in your tabernacle by living lives that honor you. We thank you for your mercy and guidance as we continue our journey. Amen.  

Written by Tim Schellhardt, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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