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 15:5KJV
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Psalms 15:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 15:5 mean?

Psalms 15:5 describes a person who does not lend money with interest or accept bribes against innocent people, saying that someone who lives this way will always stand firm and secure. The verse highlights honest and upright behavior as part of the character of someone who can dwell in God’s presence.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God, asking what kind of person is fit to live close to Him. The verse lists two specific actions—refusing to profit unfairly from others and not taking bribes to harm the innocent—as examples of integrity. The promise that such a person “shall never be moved” emphasizes lasting stability and favor with God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 15:5

  • יִתֵּן (yitten, “putteth out”): This word means “to give” or “to put forth.” Here, it refers to giving out money, specifically as a loan.
  • נֶשֶׁךְ (neshekh, “usury”): This word means “interest” or “usury,” the extra charge for lending money. In ancient Israel, charging interest to fellow Israelites was often seen as taking advantage of someone in need.
  • שֹׁחַד (shochad, “reward”): This word means “a bribe” or “a gift given to influence judgment.” The verse warns against accepting such payments, especially when it leads to injustice against the innocent.
  • נָקִי (naqi, “innocent”): This word means “innocent” or “free from guilt.” The verse stresses that harming the innocent for personal gain is especially wrong.

Why Psalms 15:5 matters

  • Psalms 15:5 clarifies that true righteousness includes how we handle money and power, not just religious rituals or beliefs.
  • The verse connects personal integrity with stability in life, suggesting that honest actions lead to lasting security.
  • This verse ties into the whole psalm’s theme: describing the qualities of a person who is truly welcome in God’s presence, emphasizing justice and fairness as essential.

Where else these words appear

“usury” Hebrew H5392 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Deuteronomy 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
  • Ezekiel 18:13 Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

“reward” Hebrew H7810 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • 2 Kings 16:8 And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

“moved” Hebrew H4131 · used in 36 verses

  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Psalms 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
  • Psalms 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.

“innocent” Hebrew H5355 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Joshua 2:20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
  • Psalms 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.