Mazmur 15:2-3

15:2 Whoever lives a blameless life, ¹ 

does what is right,

and speaks honestly. ² 

15:3 He ³  does not slander, ⁴ 

or do harm to others, ⁵ 

or insult his neighbor. ⁶ 

Mazmur 15:5

15:5 He does not charge interest when he lends his money. ⁷ 

He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent. ⁸ 

The one who lives like this ⁹  will never be upended.

[15:2]  ¹ tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”

[15:2]  ² tn Heb “one who speaks truth in his heart”; or “one who speaks truth [that is] in his heart.” This apparently refers to formulating a truthful statement in one’s mind and then honestly revealing that statement in one’s speech.

[15:3]  ³ sn Hebrew literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age.

[15:3]  ⁴ tn Heb “he does not slander upon his tongue.” For another example of רָגַל (ragal, “slander”) see 2 Sam 19:28.

[15:3]  ⁵ tn Or “his fellow.”

[15:3]  ⁶ tn Heb “and he does not lift up an insult against one who is near to him.”

[15:5]  ⁷ sn He does not charge interest. Such an individual is truly generous, and not simply concerned with making a profit.

[15:5]  ⁸ tn Heb “a bribe against the innocent he does not take.” For other texts condemning the practice of a judge or witness taking a bribe, see Exod 23:8; Deut 16:19; 27:25; 1 Sam 8:3; Ezek 22:12; Prov 17:23.

[15:5]  ⁹ tn Heb “does these things.”