The Citizen of Zion an Upright Walker
T. Boston, D. D. Psalm 15:2 He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart. I. UNFOLD THIS CHARACTER OF WALKING UPRIGHTLY. 1. It is union in the frame and disposition of his heart (Psalm 125:4). There cannot be uprightness of life without uprightness of heart. If the cripple is made to go straight his legs must have a new set (Psalm 78:37). 2. He walks entirely in the interests of religion (Genesis 17:1). 3. He walks uniformly, his religion is of a piece (Colossians 4:12). As John the Baptist (Luke 7:24). 4. He walks in the way of all known duty, as thus told in Luke 1:6. And as David (Acts 13:22). Hence he will be free from gross pollution of the outward man (Psalm 119:1). The upright want not their spots, sins of daily infirmity, —but they will not wallow in the mire, Nor will he allow himself in any known sin, seen or unseen of man, 5. He walks as under the eye of God (Psalm 16:8). 6. And singly (2 Corinthians 1:12). As opposed to the "double-minded man." And to the deceitful (Colossians 3:22). And the selfish (Ephesians 6:5). 7. And he walks constantly in uprightness (John 8:31). He perseveres in the Lord's ways. II. THOSE WHO SO WALK SHALL DWELL IN HEAVEN. For — 1. Heaven is the land of uprightness (Psalm 143:10, 140., ult.). 2. The new birth which is from heaven makes them meet for heaven. 3. An upright walk is the saint's walk, in which they make forward to the kingdom (1 Kings 3:6). The contrary way is the way of the wicked (Proverbs 2:15). 4. The Lord hath in His Word determined this (Proverbs 28:18). III. APPLICATION. This truth shows that there are few of this generation that will dwell in heaven if they turn not over a new leaf. For men do cling to some beloved lust or other, so that neither the word, nor conscience, nor providence can make them part with it. And they care far more for the eye of man than for the eye of God; and are impatient of reproof: Contrary to Psalm 141:5. And they labour not to approve themselves to God in their dealings; but are altogether selfish, considering nothing but their own profit. (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. WEB: He who walks blamelessly does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;