| Scripture |
Expanded Comments |
| A Psalm of David. |
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| 1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? |
Who shall abide – It is not enough to consecrate ourselves, for the consecration will avail nothing if we prove unfaithful to it, except to rise in judgment against us. R2154:5
The one ultimate standard of admission to blessedness in the future is character. R800:5*
It is one thing to get in; another to stay in. R4240:5*
In thy tabernacle – Wherever there are one or more loyal, consecrated hearts, there is a dwelling place of God. R2080:3*
Especially the glorious temple of God, which shall be the dwelling place of the saints throughout eternity. R2080:5*
In thy holy hill – The Kingdom of God. D628
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| 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
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Walketh uprightly – Implies the strictest integrity in our dealings, both with God and with our fellowmen. R4808:5
The measure of our acceptableness is only to the extent that we earnestly strive to attain actually to the standard of perfection. R1295:6
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| 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. |
Taketh up a reproach – A violation of the law of love. We will not be against our brother unless he acknowledges the wrong. Love will cover a multitude of sins. R4240:5*
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| 4 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. |
Is contemned – He who sympathizes with the evildoer whom God condemns is partaker of his evil deeds. R764:5
Sweareth – Makes a solemn covenant to present himself a living sacrifice to God. R2080:6*
And changeth not – Carries out his part of the agreement faithfully even though the covenant be unfavorable to him. R3108:2, R4808:5
One cannot, by subsequently changing his mind, be released from the obligations of consecration vows. R2080:6*
Having made a covenant, do not ignore its solemn obligations. R2080:6*
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| 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. |
To usury – Taking unjust advantage of the necessities of others. R2155:1, R4808:5, R1994:6
The word "usury" is now always used to indicate oppressive interest. Formerly its meaning was, simply, interest. R1995:1
We do not understand the taking of reasonable interest to be usury. R1994:5
If the party using the money is making something out of it, it is not usury. R1994:6
Never be moved – Such a one is a virtuous man, a man of fortified or strong character. R2155:1, R4808:6
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