Psalms 15 Series by DUO Inspirations - Post 2

“He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh truth in his heart.”
                                Psalms 15:2 (KJV)
 





 
Hi friends,
     How are you?  Last week we pondered King David’s questions in Psalms 15:1 (KJV) which are, “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?  Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?”  If you haven’t read the post yet, you can read it here.  Think about those questions for a moment.  What would your answer be to his questions?
 
     This week, we ponder the words in Psalms 15.2, where King David starts to answer his own questions. So, the first part of King David’s answer to his questions in verse 1 says, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh truth in his heart.” (Psalms 15:2 KJV)  Let’s think about these words and let them really sink into our soul.

     There are three parts or phrases in Psalms 15:2.  I think the last one is easiest to address, so I will address it first.  If we look at it, it says, “…and speaketh the truth in his heart.”  One might think that means that King David is talking about someone who never lies to anyone and always speaks the truth.  I think that is only partially correct.  I think the words “in his heart”, makes the meaning a bit deeper.

     Sometimes, we think we are telling others the truth, only to find out that we have been lying to ourselves.  I think sometimes we bury the truth.  Therefor, when we tell others something, we really feel that we are telling them the truth.  Yet, it isn’t the case.  It is just what we have been telling ourselves for so long that we know think it is the truth. 

     Or, maybe we only tell a half-truth.  We only tell have of the story.  We don’t lie about what we say, but we might withhold a small piece of information.  We tell ourselves that it won’t matter.  However, even if the other person never knows and it doesn’t make a difference to the other person at all, it still matters, because it matters to God.

     It also matters to us, as Christians, because we are always seeking and finding God.  That also means that we are constantly seeking and finding truth, because God is truth. 

     Sometimes “speaking truth in our heart” might mean to really reflect upon our beliefs, our words, and our actions and honestly telling ourselves and  God how we are doing as well as assessing our strengths and weaknesses honestly.  This can be difficult.  Like I mentioned before, this difficulty could be from burying part of the truth for some reason.  It could be from memory lapse, especially if we don’t reflect upon our actions regularly.  It could also be from lack of understanding or discernment, which is another good reason constantly pray and read God’s Word, so God will give us the understanding and discernment we need. 

     I also believe that we can look at “speaketh the truth in his heart” a different way.  So many times, we get in a rut or speak lies to ourselves, which sabotages our lives.  We may go with the crowd or listen to common sentiment about what can and can’t be done.  However, if we encourage ourselves with God’s Word, I believe that is also a way of “speaking the truth in his heart”.

     Yet, Psalms 15:2 isn’t just speaking the truth.  It isn’t just talking the talk, so to speak.  It is about walking the walk as well.  We see that we are called to live in truth as well as speak it in reading Psalms 15:2.

     Now, let’s look at the other parts of Psalms 15:2.  I have tried to research it, but I am uncertain of the distinction between “walketh uprightly” and “worketh righteousness”.  King David may have had two different meanings in mind as he wrote this verse or maybe he just wrote two phrases with similar meanings to emphasize the importance of living a righteous life.  I don’t know.  (If you have comments, I would enjoy reading them.)
 
     Maybe one phrase might have to do with being truthful, being honest, and having integrity in public life and one phrase might have to do with being truthful, being honest, and having integrity in personal life.  To me, it seems that this verse is reminding us that it isn’t just what we do in public that matters, but what we do behind closed doors matter as well.
 
     We are ALWAYS called to be righteous and do the will of God, doing right according to His will for us.  We are called to not only speak the truth to ourselves and to others, but to live in truth with honesty and integrity as well. 
 
Heavenly Father,
     Thank you for your Word.  Thank you for giving us people through whom we can learn your Word and your will for us.  Thank you for showing us the way to you, through Jesus and through your Word.  Help us to walk in integrity, speak truth to ourselves and to others, and to do everything according to your will for us.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective questions for Psalms 15:2 (KJV):
*What does Psalms 15:2 mean to me?
*Is there a difference in “speaking in truth” and “speaking in truth in your
 heart”?
*Is there a difference between “walking uprightly” and “working
 righteousness”?
*What message is God giving me through Psalms 15:2?
*Of what verse does Psalms 15:2 remind me?
*What are my answers to King David’s questions in Psalms 15:1?  Are the 
 words in Psalms15:2 part of my answer?  Why or why not?

Now, it is your turn.
     I am so thankful that you are here.  I appreciate your kindness and support.  I encourage you to read God's Word, pray, and discern these answers for yourself.  If you feel led, please feel free to write a comment so others can learn and ponder your ideas.  Also, if you feel others would benefit from the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and feel called to do so, please share it. 

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