TRV
Translation
King James Version
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Berean Standard Bible
Blessed are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times.
American Standard Version
Blessed are they that keep justice, And he that doeth righteousness at all times.
World English Bible Messianic
Blessed are those who keep justice. Blessed is one who does what is right at all times.
Young's Literal Translation
O the happiness of those keeping judgment, Doing righteousness at all times.
In the KJVVerse 15,655 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 106 verses 1–5
1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
We are here taught,
I. To bless God (Psa 106:1, Psa 106:2): Praise you the Lord, that is, 1. Give him thanks for his goodness, the manifestation of it to us, and the many instances of it. He is good and his mercy endures for ever; let us therefore own our obligations to him and make him a return of our best affections and services. 2. Give him the glory of his greatness, his mighty acts, proofs of his almighty power, wherein he has done great things, and such as would be opposed. Who can utter these? Who is worthy to do it? Who is able to do it? They are so many that they cannot be numbered, so mysterious that they cannot be described; when we have said the most we can of the mighty acts of the Lord, the one half is not told; still there is more to be said; it is a subject that cannot be exhausted. We must show forth his praise; we may show forth some of it, but who can show forth all? Not the angels themselves. This will not excuse us in not doing what we can, but should quicken us to do all we can.
II. To bless the people of God, to call and account them happy (Psa 106:3): Those that keep judgment are blessed, for they are fit to be employed in praising God. God's people are those whose principles are sound - They keep judgment (they adhere to the rules of wisdom and religion, and their practices are agreeable); they do righteousness, are just to God and to all men, and herein they are steady and constant; they do it at all times, in all manner of conversation, at every turn, in every instance, and herein persevering to the end.
III. To bless ourselves in the favour of God, to place our happiness in it, and to seek it, accordingly, with all seriousness, as the psalmist here, Psa 106:4, Psa 106:5. 1. He has an eye to the lovingkindness of God, as the fountain of all happiness: "Remember me, O Lord! to give me that mercy and grace which I stand in need of, with the favour which thou bearest to thy people." As there are a people in the world who are in a peculiar manner God's people, so there is a peculiar favour which God bears to that people, which all gracious souls desire an interest in; and we need desire no more to make us happy. 2. He has an eye to the salvation of God, the great salvation, that of the soul, as the foundation of happiness: O visit me with thy salvation. "Afford me (says Dr. Hammond) that pardon and that grace which I stand in need of, and can hope for from none but thee." Let that salvation be my portion for ever, and the pledges of it my present comfort. 3. He has an eye to the blessedness of the righteous, as that which includes all good (Psa 106:5): "That I may see the good of thy chosen and be as happy as the saints are; and happier I do not desire to be." God's people are here called his chosen, his nation, his inheritance; for he has set them apart for himself, incorporated them under his own government, is served by them and glorified in them. The chosen people of God have a good which is peculiar to them, which is the matter both of their gladness and of their glorying, which is their pleasure, and their praise. God's people have reason to be a cheerful people, and to boast in their God all the day long; and those who have that gladness, that glory, need not envy any of the children of men their pleasure or pride. The gladness of God's nation, and the glory of his inheritance, are enough to satisfy any man; for they have everlasting joy and glory at the end of them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 106
"Who can express the mighty acts of the Lord?" [Psalm 106:2]. Full of the consideration of the Divine works, while he entreats His mercy, "Who," he says, "can express the mighty acts of the Lord, or make all His praises heard?" We must supply what was said above, to make the sense complete here, thus, "Who shall make all His praises heard?" that is, who is sufficient to make all His praises heard? "Shall make" them "heard," he says; that is, cause that they be heard; showing, that the mighty acts of the Lord and His praises are so to be spoken of, that they may be preached to those who hear them. But who can make "all," heard? Is it that as the next words are, "Blessed are they that always keep judgment, and do righteousness in every time" [Psalm 106:3]; he perhaps meant those praises of His, which are understood as His works in His commandments? "For it is God," says the Apostle, "who works in you," [Philippians 2:13] ...since He works in these things in a manner that cannot be spoken. "Who will do all His praises heard?" that is, who, when he has heard them, does all His praises? Which are the works of His commandments. As far as they are done, although all which are heard are not performed, He is to be praised, who "works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure." [Philippians 2:13] For this reason, while he might have said, all His commandments, or, all the works of His commandments; he preferred saying, "His praises."...
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 6:8
I implore, you, dearly beloved, always to call to mind and remember what we have mentioned for the salvation of your soul. Do not accept it only in passing; our sermon ought to fasten its roots in your heart, so that on judgment day it may happily bear the fruits of eternal life. If a person can retain all that we say, he should thank God and always teach others what he remembers. If he cannot remember the whole, let him remember a part of it. If one cannot retain the whole, then let each one remember three or four thoughts. If one then tells another what he heard, by informing each other you can not only remember it all but even with Christ’s help fulfill it in deed. One may say to another, “I heard my bishop talking about chastity.” Another may say, “I remember that he preached on almsgiving.” Still another says, “There has remained in my mind what he said about cultivating our soul like we till our land.” Another may report, “I recall that my bishop said that a person who knows letters should be eager to read sacred Scripture, and one who does not should look for someone and ask him to read God’s precepts to him so that with God’s help he may fulfill what was read.” Again, another may say, “I heard my bishop say that just as merchants who are illiterate hire learned mercenaries so that they may acquire wealth, so Christians should seek, ask and, if necessary, pay for someone to read the sacred Scriptures to them; that just as a trader gets money by having someone else read, so Christians should obtain eternal life in this way.” If you do this and admonish each other, you can both live devoutly in this world and afterwards attain to the bliss of eternal life. If you immediately forget all that you heard from the bishop as soon as you leave church, you have come to church without profit and return to your home empty and without fruit. Far be this from you, brothers; may there rather be fulfilled in you what is written: “Blessed are they who keep judgment and do justice at all times.” Moreover, “The mercy of the Lord is from eternity and to eternity on them that fear him, and his justice to children’s children to such as keep his covenant and are mindful of his commandments, to do them.” May the Lord in his goodness bring you to this mercy.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 106:3 articulates a profound declaration of divine blessing, asserting that genuine flourishing and spiritual well-being are inextricably linked to a life characterized by consistent adherence to God's righteous standards and the active pursuit of justice. This pivotal verse serves as a thematic overture to Psalm 106, a historical psalm that starkly contrasts this ideal of faithful obedience with Israel's repeated and grievous failures throughout their history, thereby magnifying God's enduring patience and covenant faithfulness despite persistent human rebellion.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 106 is the concluding psalm of Book IV of the Psalter, functioning as a communal confession of sin that meticulously recounts Israel's history of rebellion, spanning from the Exodus through the Babylonian exile. It is simultaneously a lament and a prayer, acknowledging God's steadfast love (חֶסֶד, hesed) despite the people's persistent disobedience. Verse 3 stands as a crucial introductory statement, articulating the ideal standard of conduct that Israel consistently failed to uphold. This establishes a profound literary contrast between the blessedness promised to the obedient and the curses experienced by the disobedient nation, highlighting the magnitude of their sin and, conversely, the miraculous nature of God's grace and forgiveness, which is the underlying theme of the entire psalm. The verse echoes the wisdom tradition prevalent in the Psalter, particularly themes found throughout Psalm 1 and the book of Proverbs, where true blessedness is consistently tied to walking in God's ways.
Historical & Cultural Context: This psalm likely originates from a post-exilic period, possibly during a time of national repentance and rebuilding, such as the eras of Nehemiah or Ezra, given its comprehensive reflection on Israelite history culminating in their dispersion among the nations. The emphasis on "judgment" (mishpat) and "righteousness" (tsᵉdâqâh) was absolutely central to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. These terms were not merely abstract concepts but practical requirements for maintaining a just and equitable society, directly reflecting God's own character. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's legitimacy and the prosperity of his kingdom were often tied to his ability to uphold justice; similarly, Israel's national well-being was intrinsically tied to its collective adherence to God's covenant laws, which were designed to distinguish them as a holy nation from surrounding peoples. The concept of "blessedness" (ʼesher) was deeply rooted in the understanding that prosperity, peace, and divine favor flowed directly from obedience to the divine will, as comprehensively outlined in the Mosaic Law.
Key Themes: Psalms 106:3 introduces several crucial theological and narrative themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of Divine Blessing is paramount, indicating a state of profound well-being and divine favor that is inherently conditional upon human action. Secondly, Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness are powerfully highlighted, as "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness" are direct and tangible expressions of fidelity to God's covenant demands. This theme is central to Israel's identity and their unique relationship with God, as clearly seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:25, where obedience is equated with righteousness. Thirdly, the verse underscores the critical importance of Consistency and Steadfastness in righteous living, emphatically conveyed by the phrase "at all times." This challenges any notion of partial or sporadic obedience, calling instead for a holistic and unwavering commitment to God's ways. Finally, the verse implicitly sets up the overarching theme of Human Failure and Divine Grace, as the subsequent historical recounting in Psalm 106 vividly demonstrates Israel's consistent inability to meet this divine ideal, thereby magnifying the boundless nature of God's enduring mercy and patience.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 106:3 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is Synonymous Parallelism, where the two clauses "they that keep judgment" and "he that doeth righteousness" express similar ideas using different but closely related terms. This parallelism reinforces the singular concept of living righteously before God, creating a sense of completeness and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the required obedience. The phrase "at all times" functions as a form of Hyperbole, setting an ideal standard that is difficult, if not impossible, for fallen humanity to perfectly achieve. This hyperbole subtly foreshadows the historical failures detailed in the rest of the psalm, highlighting the gap between the divine ideal and human reality. This also creates a strong Contrast with the subsequent narrative of Israel's repeated disobedience, magnifying the depth of their sin and, conversely, the boundless nature of God's grace. Furthermore, the verse serves as an Inclusio with the broader wisdom tradition found throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 1), where blessedness is consistently linked to righteous living, thus framing the entire historical recounting within a timeless theological principle.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:3 encapsulates a core theological truth foundational to biblical revelation: divine blessing is intrinsically tied to human obedience and righteousness. This principle is foundational to the Mosaic covenant, where God promised blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human conduct and divine favor. The verse speaks to the holistic nature of biblical righteousness, encompassing both adherence to God's legal and moral statutes ("judgment") and the active pursuit of ethical living ("righteousness") in all spheres of life. It reflects the consistent call throughout Scripture for God's people to mirror His character of justice and holiness. While the psalm goes on to detail Israel's failures, this opening verse serves as a reminder of the ideal standard and God's unchanging expectation for His covenant people, setting the stage for understanding the depth of His grace in light of their persistent sin and demonstrating that true blessedness flows from conformity to divine will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:3 offers a profound challenge and a powerful encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that genuine spiritual flourishing and the experience of God's favor are not merely passive states but are actively cultivated through a life committed to His divine standards. The call to "keep judgment" and "do righteousness at all times" compels us to examine the consistency and integrity of our walk with God. It's not enough simply to profess faith; we are called to embody it in our daily choices, our interactions, and our active pursuit of justice in a broken world. This verse pushes us beyond superficial religiosity to a holistic and unwavering commitment to God's will, recognizing that true blessedness flows from a life that consistently reflects His holy and righteous character. It encourages us to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, striving for integrity and ethical conduct not just when it's convenient or easy, but "at all times," trusting in God's grace and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to enable us to live in a manner worthy of our calling.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "keep judgment" mean in a practical sense for believers today?
Answer: "Keeping judgment" means actively upholding and living by God's moral and ethical standards as revealed in Scripture. Practically, this involves understanding what is right and wrong according to God's Word, making choices that align with His justice and truth, and advocating for fairness and equity in society. For instance, it means being honest and transparent in business dealings, treating all people with respect and dignity regardless of their background, and seeking to correct injustices where we have influence or opportunity. It's about living a life that consistently reflects God's character as a just and righteous judge, applying His principles in our personal conduct and our interactions with the world, as exemplified in passages like Matthew 7:12.
Does this verse imply a works-based salvation, where blessing is earned through perfect obedience?
Answer: No, this verse does not imply a works-based salvation, nor does it suggest that blessing is earned through perfect human effort. While it clearly links blessedness to righteous living, the broader context of Psalm 106, which meticulously details Israel's repeated failures and God's enduring grace, powerfully demonstrates that human beings are fundamentally incapable of perfectly "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness at all times." The Old Testament covenant, while demanding obedience, always pointed to the need for atonement and God's merciful provision for sin due to humanity's fallen nature. This verse sets forth an ideal standard, highlighting the kind of life that truly flourishes under God's favor, but it simultaneously underscores humanity's inherent inability to meet that standard consistently. This sets the stage for understanding the necessity of God's grace and the perfect righteousness provided in Christ, which is received by faith, not by works.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:3, with its lofty and seemingly unattainable standard of "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness at all times," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While humanity, as vividly demonstrated throughout the historical recounting of Psalm 106, consistently fails to meet this divine ideal, Jesus alone lived a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to God's will. He perfectly "kept judgment" by upholding every jot and tittle of the Law, and He perfectly "did righteousness" in every thought, word, and deed, "at all times," without blemish or fault. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the one who fulfilled all righteousness (e.g., Matthew 3:15) and lived a life pleasing to God (John 8:29). His perfect life of obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, is the very basis for our blessedness. For believers, the righteousness demanded in Psalms 106:3 is not achieved through our own flawed efforts but is graciously imputed to us through faith in Christ (e.g., Romans 3:21-26). Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are progressively empowered to walk in newness of life, enabling us to increasingly "do righteousness" (e.g., Romans 8:4 and Philippians 2:13) and reflect the character of the One who perfectly embodied the blessed life. Thus, the blessedness described in this psalm is ultimately a gift received through Christ's perfect obedience and empowered by His Spirit, allowing us to live a life that increasingly honors God.