(15:1) Standards For Living a Moral Life - God calls his people to be morally upright, and in this psalm, he gives us ten standards to determine how we are doing. We all live among corrupt people who make up their own standards and want no help from God or any Christian influence. For them, morality is determined by whatever seems convenient or gets them ahead. But our standards for living should not come from our personal preferences or our society but from God. (For other places where righteous conduct is summarized, see Isaiah 33:15; 56:1; Micah 6:8; Habakkuk 2:4; and Mark 12:29-31.)

(15:2) A Place of Worship - Tabernacle and holy hill are interchangeable terms describing the specific location and focal point of Israelite worship- the dwelling place of God. In Hebrew poetry repeating patterns are found more in a poem's thought than in its sound or rhythm.

(15:2) A Personal Relationship - As each of us grows in our relationship with our redeemer, the Holy Spirit gives us the desire to live by his standards (see Philippians 2:12-13). The depth of a person's eternal relationship with God can often be measured by the way they reflect his standards in their daily activities.

(15:3) Powerful Words - Words are powerful, and how you use them reflects on your relationship with God. Perhaps nothing so identifies Christians as their ability to control their speech--speaking the truth, refusing to slander, and keeping promises. Watch out for what you say. (See James 3:1-12 for more on the importance

(15:5) Usery - Usury is charging interest. God prohibited the Israelites from charging interest or making a profit on loans to fellow Israelites who were in need (see also Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37), although charging interest on loans to foreigners was allowed (Deuteronomy 23:20). Interest was also permitted for business

as long as it wasn't exorbitant (Proverbs 28:8).

(15:5) Money - Some people are so obsessed with money that they will abandon their God-given standards and alter their lifestyles to get it. If the desire for money dominates your thoughts, that desire must be curbed or it will harm others and destroy vour relationship with God. Give some of your money to the church and to those in need. Generosity breaks the hold money can have on us.