Eight Standards of Leadership

Psalms 15:1–5
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David starts off by asking a question. What qualifica­tions are there for service in the tabernacle (v. 1)? The answer to this question is found in the remaining verses as he gives us 8 standards of leadership. This psalm has been referred to as David’s “sermon on the mount.” Many scholars believe it was written to celebrate the bringing of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. 

He answers the question in summary fashion first by saying that his pattern of life must be blameless and his action righteous (v.2). To be blameless means to be complete, sincere, or perfect. A blameless person lives in obedience to God and maintains a life of integrity. A righteous person despises a wicked person and honors believers who fear the Lord. 

He then goes on to spell out what such a person’s character is like: (vv. 3-5): 

      1.   He speaks truth sincerely 

      2.   He does not slander mali­ciously 

      3.   He will not harm another 

      4.   He will not discredit anyone (his neighbor) he encounters

      5.   He hates a reprobate 

      6.   He keeps his word even when it hurts 

      7.   He does not take advantage of the person who borrows from him (taking interest from a fellow Israelite was forbidden Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:36)

      8.   He does not take bribes against the innocent

Application

Can I really say that I am living a life that is blameless? Which point above is my weakest area in leadership. I need to work on that point and memorize verses that will help me to be blameless.