E. A One-Part Guarantee (15:5c)
indictments universally applicable. No wonder Paul included these indictments in Rom. 3:10–12. There is also a common scriptural association of doing with thinking.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 14:4–6 The shift from third person affirmations about the wicked (vv. 4–5) to the second person (v. 6a) intensifies this confrontation with divine judgment.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 14:7 Zion. The place on earth where God was pleased to reveal his presence, protection, and power (cf. 3:4; 20:2; 128:5; 132:13; 134:3).
PSALMS—NOTE ON 15:1–5 Whereas Ps. 14 focused on the way of the wicked, Ps. 15 concentrates on the way of the righteous (cf. Ps. 1). The saved sinner is described as exhibiting indications of ethical integrity. These characteristics alternate in triplets of positive and negative descriptions. The whole psalm unfolds through a question-and-answer vehicle, and indeed it may be regarded as the ultimate question-and-answer session. With its focus on moral responsibility, the psalm offers a sequence of responses to the question of acceptable worship.
I. A Two-Part Question (15:1) II. A Twelve-Part Response (15:2–5b)
A. Three Positively Phrased Ethical Characteristics (15:2)
1. His lifestyle exhibits integrity 2. His deeds exhibit justice 3. His speech exhibits reliability B. Three Negatively Cast Ethical Characteristics (15:3)
1. He does not tread over people with his tongue 2. He does not harm his fellow man 3. He does not dump reproach upon family or friend C. Three Positively Phrased Ethical Characteristics (15:4a–c)
1. He views the reprobate as rejected 2. He respects the people of God 3. He holds himself accountable D. Three Negatively Cast Ethical Characteristics (15:4d–5b)
1. He is not fickle 2. He is not greedy 3. He cannot be bought E. A One-Part Guarantee (15:5c)