THREE MINUTE BIBLE STUDY How to Be Godly Psalm 15.1-5 The wisdom literature of the Old Testament richly portrays how to live a life of faithfulness. Proverbs is more than just pithy sayings, it is practical instructions for living a godly life. Psalms follows in this tradition, too. Psalm 1 reminds us who are friends should be. Psalm 14 reminds us that those who say there is no god really are saying they do not feel they have to answer to anyone. While the psalms are not one long narrative, they are grouped in ways that help them relate to each other and teach and inform their readers. In this case, Psalm 14 presents the dangers of being “empty-headed”, a person who chooses to live his or her life with obedience to God. The psalm that follows, Psalm 15, offers a picture of what it looks like for a person to live obedient to God. The psalm begins by asking a simple question: “Who gets to be in relationship to you, God?” (v. 1) What follows is a list it would do us all well to tape on the refrigerator, or on our dashboard, or type in the notes app on our smartphone. Here it is. The psalmist’s list for how to be godly. 1. Speak the truth (v. 2). 2. Do not slander—do not tell lies about people (v. 3). 3. Do not hurt your friends (v. 3). 4. Do not insult a neighbor (v. 3). 5. Do not encourage those who dishonor God (v. 4). 6. Keep your promises, even when it costs you something (v. 4). 7. Do not take advantage of people in need (v. 5). It is basic. It is straightforward. It is a good path for today. Let’s work on the list today and work on our godliness.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 12:50:01 +0000
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