Psalms 15:4

Contemned. Meaning “despised”; not to be confused with “condemned,” meaning “convicted of guilt.” The ideal man properly evaluates others, reading their true nature. He does not whitewash evil. While he does not take up evil falsely against a man (v. 3), he is disposed to do justice to all. He is level-headed in his judgments. “What a revolution would be created in any society by the carrying out of such principles!” (Davison).

He honoureth. Irrespective of rank or color or other conditions that distinguish men, he honors the true followers of God. He places real religion in a fellow man above the accidents of birth or position.

Fear. Heb. yara’, “show reverence for.” This “fear” is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10).

To his own hurt. When he has made a promise or has entered into a contract that may turn out to his own hurt, he still remains true to his pledged word. “His word is as good as his bond.”