Psalm 15
Lord, who may be a guest in your home?
Who may live on your holy hill?
Whoever lives a blameless life,
does what is right,
and speaks honestly.
He a does not slander,
or do harm to others,
or insult his neighbor.
He despises a reprobate,
but honors the Lord ʼs loyal followers.
He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise.
He does not charge interest when he lends his money.
He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent.
The one who lives like this will never be upended
"Teach the children well” was a folk song by Cosby Stills that was popular when I was much younger. It is the earnest cry of every generation that their children would learn to live right. Even back in the days of ancient Israel, I can see King David, with his children gathered about him, singing Psalm 15 to them. Teaching his children how to live a blameless life.
The New American Standard Bible translates verse 1 as;
1 O Lord, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
Isn’t it your desire that your children and grandchildren learn to abide with the Lord. Abiding means to dwell with, in a genuine and intimate relationship. The picture of being a guest in the Lord’s tent, living with Him on his holy hill, evokes images of close family times, being with special relatives, traveling to the mountains and having good times together. Our family had many such times traveling to Colorado to visit relatives that lived in the Rocky Mountains. I learned much from may parents on those trips, mostly be being close with them, but also by experiencing the majesty of God’s creation by visiting the mountains.
Just as I learned from my father to speak honestly and not to harm others, I taught the same things to my children, and hope that my grandchildren learn the same. Keeping your promises and being generous were important lessons that my father taught me. From King David’s time till now it has been important to teach our children how to live right so that they may be friends of God and man, and that they may live secure lives which can never be shaken.
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