March 11 – Psalm 15 – On taking up a reproach

“LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?” Psalm 15v1

“He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.” Psalm 15v3

Taking up a reproach implies an action word, of actually doing something. Something that you can choose to do actively or refuse to do.

“….and casts no slur on his fellowman, …” Psalm 15v3 (New International Version)
“… or speak evil of their friends.” Psalm 15v3 (New Living Translation)
“… or bring shame to his friend.” Psalm 15v3 (New Life Version)

We see the Psalmist in Psalm 44, talk about reproach. Of God, he says:

“Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.
My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,
For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.” Psalm 44v13-16

The feeling of being reproached is not a pleasant one at all. It makes one wonder that what have I done so bad to be on the receiving end of this. We should never be the source of reproach for others. It certainly isn’t loving.

Have a wonderful day.

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Verses for thought:
“THOU shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.” Exodus 23v1

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Mark 11v23