Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Psalm 15:4 together. Itâs a really powerful and insightful passage about Godâs perspective on people. Hereâs what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is deliberately trying to be unpleasant or hurtful, but still respects the Lordâs presence and doesn't change their ways. Let's unpack it piece by piece: âIn whose eyes a vile person is contemnedâ : This means that this person feels like God is disapproving of them â they are acting in a way that is offensive or harmful. Itâs not just a fleeting feeling; there's a sense of judgment from God. âBut he honoureth them that fear the LORDâ : This is the crucial part! "Honouring" means showing respect, gratitude, and love. Here, "he" refers to the person who is causing trouble. The Lord does honor this person â even though they're being unpleasant. Itâs a demonstration of Godâs goodness and mercy. â[He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth notâ : This is where it gets really interesting. âSweared to his own hurtâ means theyâve made a promise â a vow or commitment â to cause harm or be unkind. The word "changeth" means to change; so this person is actively trying to continue their hurtful behavior, even if theyâre promising to do it again. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse speaks to Godâs unwavering love and judgment. It's a reminder that: God sees all people: He doesnât just look at the surface; he sees the entire person, including their actions and intentions. God is merciful even when people are trying to be bad: He doesnât condone evil; rather, He chooses to show mercy and forgiveness. It's a challenge to resist temptation: It encourages us to turn away from harmful behavior and seek the Lordâs guidance. In short, itâs a message of Godâs judgment and His loving perspective on those who struggle with negativity. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific situation or theme? Give another example from the Bible?