"LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." (Psalms 15:1-5)

          Psalm 15 stands in vivid contrast with Psalm 14. In Psalm 14 the senseless fool said in his hearth there is no God. In character this person is corrupt and veil. Psalm 15 pictures the character of the godly. He walks uprightly, works righteousness and speaks the truth in his heart. Two questions were asked and answered in this psalm. "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" This is another way of asking who can be in the presence of God and enjoy His fellowship. What is the character of the person that will be accepted by God? We know that God will not have fellowship with the ungodly. We must come to know what is required if we are to have fellowship with God. Fellowship with God is enjoyed by those who walk uprightly. Enoch walked uprightly with God. (Genesis 5:22) Fellowship with God is enjoyed by the righteous. The righteous are those who conform their lives to the teachings of God's word. In order to enjoy fellowship with God we must also "speaks the truth in our heart." We must be honest with God and honest with ourselves. Those who conduct their lives in a righteous way will always stand firm with God.

          Who may worship and serve the LORD? -- Psalm 15:1: Concerning fellowship with God the question was asked, "Who may stay in God's temple   or live on the holy mountain of the LORD?" David is inquiring as to what are the characteristics of the godly person. How can a person have fellowship with God and commune with Him? It is God alone who can answer these questions. Both our earthly happiness and our eternal destiny are determined by our response to the answers that God gives to these questions.

          God's answer to the most serious question -- Psalm 15:2-5: An upright life must have as its goal satisfying God. This life will be a righteous life lived without sin and reproach. Peter said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Acts 10:34-35) If you wish to enjoy God's fellowship you must be righteous. The righteous are "those who obey God and do as they should. They speak the truth and don't spread gossip; they treat others fairly and don't say cruel things. They hate worthless people, but show respect for all who worship the LORD. And they keep their promises, no matter what the cost. They lend their money without charging interest, and they don't take bribes to hurt the innocent." In order to be righteous there are both positive and negative requirements that must be met. Our tongue is directly involved in our righteousness. The Devil will do all he can to cause us to whisper, gossip, slander, backbite and insult others. James wrote, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26) If I wish to honor God I will hold the godly in high esteem and "a vile person will I despise." You cannot walk with God and approve of wickedness. If you have truly been regenerated by obedient faith in Jesus Christ, your life will reflect it.

          The result of the righteous life -- Psalm 15:5: David wrote, "He that doeth these things shall never be moved." Those who obey the gospel (Mark 16:15-16), and remain true in their love and service to God will always be able to dwell in His presence. God is faithful and He will never desert the righteous. Those who do the will of God will live in peace here on earth and then will dwell with God in eternity. The righteous will be with God forever but the wicked shall not enter the tabernacle of God, or dwell in His holy hill.