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.

PSALMS 15:4KJV
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Psalms 15:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 15:4 mean?

Psalms 15:4 describes a person who rejects those who do wrong but respects those who honor God, and who keeps their promises even when it is costly or difficult. This verse highlights the character traits of someone who lives with integrity and faithfulness before God.

King David is speaking in this psalm, describing the qualities of a person who may dwell in God’s presence. The verse points out that such a person does not admire or associate with those who act wickedly, but instead gives honor to those who truly respect the LORD. It also emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s word, even when it leads to personal loss.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 15:4

  • כָּלָה (kalah, "vile person") is not tagged here, but the word בָּזָה (bazah, H959, "contemned") means to despise or treat with contempt. This shows that the person described does not admire or seek the company of those who do evil.
  • יָרֵא (yare, H3373, "fear") means to deeply respect or revere, especially in relation to God. Honoring those who "fear the LORD" means valuing people who live in awe of God.
  • נִשְׁבַּע (nishba, H7650, "sweareth") refers to making a solemn promise or oath. The verse stresses that a person of integrity keeps their promises, even when it brings them harm (רַע, ra, H7489, "hurt").
  • יָמִיר (yamir, H4171, "changeth") means to alter or break a promise. The verse praises someone who does not go back on their word, even under pressure.

Why Psalms 15:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that true honor is not about status or popularity, but about respecting those who live rightly before God.
  • It challenges the reader to consider the cost of integrity, showing that faithfulness to one’s word is a key part of a godly life.
  • In the context of Psalms 15, this verse helps define what it means to be the kind of person who can enjoy close fellowship with God.

Where else these words appear

“changeth” Hebrew H4171 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 27:10 He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.
  • Psalms 106:20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
  • Ezekiel 48:14 And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.

“contemned” Hebrew H959 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
  • Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

“fear” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
  • Psalms 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

“person” Hebrew H3988 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:
  • Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
  • Isaiah 41:9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.