who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
God made His covenant with Abraham on one condition: that he live holy and upright. Many crowd the temple speaking the same religion outwardly, but hypocrites gain nothing by self-delusion. God remains Himself, faithful and unchanging; He acknowledges none as His people but those who pursue justice and uprightness throughout their whole life.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 15:1-5
After the positive comes the negative. "He that backbiteth not with his tongue." There is a sinful way of backbiting with the heart when we think too hardly of a neighbour, but it is the tongue which does the mischief. Some men's tongues bite more than their teeth.
Who shall dwell in God's tabernacle? Not by name alone, nor by Abraham's blood, but by what your heart and life actually are. Birth and blood entitle no one; God Himself must set the terms and tell who are truly His. This is the greatest privilege and distinguishing favor, ask yourself daily what you must be to obtain it.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 15:1-5