He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil;
that walketh
Isaiah 56:1,2 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed…
Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful…
Psalm 15:1,2 A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? …
righteously.
Nehemiah 5:7-13 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them…
Job 31:13-25 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; …
Luke 3:12-14 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? …
oppressions.
Exodus 23:6-9 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause…
Numbers 16:15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
Deuteronomy 16:19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
stoppeth
1 Samuel 24:4-7 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily…
1 Samuel 26:8-11 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time…
Job 31:29-31 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him: …
blood.
Psalm 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
and speaks with sincerity
Sincerity in speech is a hallmark of a person of integrity. The Bible frequently warns against deceitful speech (Proverbs 12:22; James 3:5-10). In a historical context, truthful speech was vital for maintaining justice and community trust. This phrase underscores the importance of honesty and transparency, reflecting God's truthfulness. Jesus, who is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), exemplifies this sincerity.
who refuses gain from extortion
This phrase condemns the practice of gaining wealth through unjust means. Extortion, or the use of power to obtain money or goods unfairly, was a common issue in ancient societies, including Israel. The Law of Moses explicitly forbade such practices (Exodus 23:8; Leviticus 19:13). This reflects God's concern for justice and fairness, and His desire for His people to act justly (Micah 6:8).
whose hand never takes a bribe
Bribery undermines justice and is repeatedly condemned in Scripture (Deuteronomy 16:19; Proverbs 17:23). In ancient Israel, judges and leaders were expected to be impartial and fair, reflecting God's justice. This phrase highlights the importance of integrity in leadership and decision-making. It also points to the ultimate Judge, Jesus Christ, who judges with righteousness and fairness (Isaiah 11:3-4).
who stops his ears against murderous plots
This phrase speaks to the rejection of violence and complicity in evil schemes. Murder and violence are condemned throughout the Bible (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-22). In a cultural context, refusing to listen to such plots demonstrates a commitment to peace and the sanctity of life. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who calls His followers to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
and shuts his eyes tightly against evil—
This final phrase emphasizes the active rejection of evil in all its forms. The imagery of shutting one's eyes suggests a deliberate choice to avoid sin and temptation. In biblical teaching, believers are called to be holy and separate from sin (1 Peter 1:15-16). This reflects the call to live a life that is set apart for God, resisting the influence of a fallen world. Jesus, who was without sin, serves as the ultimate example of living a life free from evil (Hebrews 4:15).
Isaiah begins with a picture of daily conduct aligned with God’s standards. Righteous walking is consistent, observable obedience. Psalm 15:1-2 asks, “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? … He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness.” Micah 6:8 reminds us that the Lord “requires you to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” This is not occasional piety but a lifestyle that:
• chooses God’s way even when no one is watching
• reflects 1 John 2:29, which says everyone “practicing righteousness has been born of Him”
• stays on course when culture drifts, because righteousness is defined by Scripture, not society
The tongue reveals the heart. Ephesians 4:25 urges, “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor,” while Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” Genuine words come from a heart free of guile:
• honest conversations, untainted by manipulation
• promises kept, echoing Colossians 3:9, “Do not lie to one another”
• encouragement that builds up rather than flatters
God’s people do not profit by squeezing others. Proverbs 28:8 warns, “He who increases his wealth by interest and extortion gathers it for one who is kind to the poor.” Ezekiel 22:12 condemns leaders who “take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion.” Righteous refusal means:
• turning down business that thrives on oppression
• rejecting “easy money” schemes that exploit the vulnerable
• trusting God to provide without resorting to coercion (James 5:4 highlights how withheld wages cry out)
Bribes twist justice, so the faithful keep their hands clean. Exodus 23:8 commands, “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.” Deuteronomy 16:19 repeats the caution. Integrity shows when:
• gifts or favors are declined if they compromise judgment
• decisions remain transparent, reflecting Proverbs 17:23: “A wicked man receives a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice”
• loyalty is to God’s truth, not to personal gain
Refusal to listen is active resistance. Proverbs 1:10-16 portrays sinners inviting, “Come along with us… let’s ambush the innocent,” but wisdom warns, “My son, do not walk in the way with them.” Psalm 26:9-10 asks not to be gathered with “men of bloodshed.” Practical outworking:
• leaving conversations that celebrate violence or vengeance
• not consuming media that glamorizes harm
• heeding Ephesians 5:11 to “have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness”
Guarded eyes protect the soul. Psalm 101:3 pledges, “I will set no vile thing before my eyes.” Jesus notes the eye’s influence in Matthew 6:22-23. Turning away:
• avoids imagery that stirs lust, greed, or cynicism
• chooses Philippians 4:8 content—whatever is true, noble, pure
• demonstrates Romans 12:9: “Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good”
Isaiah 33:15 sketches the character of those who can “dwell with the consuming fire” (v 14). The portrait is holistic: righteous actions, truthful speech, financial integrity, judicial purity, moral courage, and disciplined senses. Such a life is possible only by God’s grace, yet it remains the clear expectation for His people. Walking this way brings security amid judgment and foreshadows the ultimate blessing of dwelling with the Holy One forever.
(15, 16) He that walketh righteously . . .--The answer to the question shows that the words point not to endless punishments, but to the infinite holiness of God. The man who is true and just in all his dealings can dwell in closest fellowship with that holiness which is to others as a consuming fire. To him it is a protection and defence, a "rock fortress," in which he can dwell securely, where he will find all that he needs for the sustenance of soul and body, the bread and the water of life. The picture of the righteous man is in part an echo, probably a conscious echo, of Psalms 15, 24Verse 15. - He that walketh righteously, etc. The prophet answers the question which he has supposed to be asked. None can endure the revelation of the presence of God but the holy and the upright - "he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully" (Psalm 24:4; comp. 15:2-5). Uprightness is then explained as consisting in six things mainly -(1) Just conduct;
(2) righteous speech;
(3) hatred of oppression; . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...