I ask you to refer back to the two questions David put at the outset of this Psalm. Take into consideration that what is being asked is "who may' worship or enter not who can. We must come to a heart understanding of the entire Psalm and not take an external view of ourselves. This means we cannot go out and practice these injunctions without them being impressed upon our person first. To apply these injunctions externally first would be to attempt to please God and earn our way into the sanctuary and His presence. Our primary stance here is to believe God will grant us access to both the sanctuary and His presence and trust he will keep His word.
So, in my continuing monologue on this Psalm I find each verse brings us deeper into the nature of those who may worship and especially those who may enter His presence. What a joyous time it is to truly enter His presence! For me there is a hurried slow process to become quiet enough to open to the door and then more time to sit and listen carefully, quietly so nothing interferes with my hearing. When the door opens dialog is available and prosperous. So sit and listen. Quiet yourself before moving beyond the text we are considering. Listen specifically to hear.
3 Those who refuse to slander others
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends. NLT
Some people have little problem with this right conduct and have harmonious relationships with their 'others', 'neighbors' or 'friends'. But most of us are challenged by these instructions: refuse to slander, or harm, or speak evil of.
Lets look at 'others'. For my simple mind an other is anyone who isn't me. That includes you and any other you out there. A broad category indeed. And then there is slander. Webster says,"stumbling block, offense" and goes on to say, "an utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame another's reputation. Some would add "on purpose." But the definition does not draw a line as to purpose, it includes any one who would utter such a statement. The Scriptures also tell us that we are responsible for every idle word. So even in jest (of which I am often guilty) we are accountable. The Holy Spirit speaking through David again is taking the highest road of conduct. Here to harm our neighbor is to insult or disparage that person. To speak evil of a friend is to say anything toward that person that is displeasing to God, or anything wicked or disparaging. All of these definitions are strict in their interpretation and application.
While getting these three instruction settled in your heart, stop for a moment at the end of the day and ask yourself this question, "How did I do today with my others, neighbors and friends?" It will take a time to get these character traits established but it will also give quicker access to God and Jesus when you want them close.
So, in my continuing monologue on this Psalm I find each verse brings us deeper into the nature of those who may worship and especially those who may enter His presence. What a joyous time it is to truly enter His presence! For me there is a hurried slow process to become quiet enough to open to the door and then more time to sit and listen carefully, quietly so nothing interferes with my hearing. When the door opens dialog is available and prosperous. So sit and listen. Quiet yourself before moving beyond the text we are considering. Listen specifically to hear.
3 Those who refuse to slander others
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends. NLT
Some people have little problem with this right conduct and have harmonious relationships with their 'others', 'neighbors' or 'friends'. But most of us are challenged by these instructions: refuse to slander, or harm, or speak evil of.
Lets look at 'others'. For my simple mind an other is anyone who isn't me. That includes you and any other you out there. A broad category indeed. And then there is slander. Webster says,"stumbling block, offense" and goes on to say, "an utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame another's reputation. Some would add "on purpose." But the definition does not draw a line as to purpose, it includes any one who would utter such a statement. The Scriptures also tell us that we are responsible for every idle word. So even in jest (of which I am often guilty) we are accountable. The Holy Spirit speaking through David again is taking the highest road of conduct. Here to harm our neighbor is to insult or disparage that person. To speak evil of a friend is to say anything toward that person that is displeasing to God, or anything wicked or disparaging. All of these definitions are strict in their interpretation and application.
While getting these three instruction settled in your heart, stop for a moment at the end of the day and ask yourself this question, "How did I do today with my others, neighbors and friends?" It will take a time to get these character traits established but it will also give quicker access to God and Jesus when you want them close.
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