Psalms 106:3

KJV

Blessed [are] they that keep judgment, [and] he that doeth righteousness at all times.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H835} are they that keep {H8104} judgment {H4941}, and he that doeth {H6213} righteousness {H6666} at all times {H6256}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How happy are those who act justly, who always do what is right!

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:3 presents a foundational declaration of divine blessing, asserting that true blessedness and flourishing are intrinsically linked to a life characterized by consistent adherence to God's righteous standards and the active pursuit of justice. This verse serves as a thematic introduction 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 human rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is the final psalm in Book IV of the Psalter and functions as a communal confession of sin, recounting Israel’s history of rebellion from the Exodus through the Babylonian exile. It is a lament and a prayer, acknowledging God’s steadfast love (חֶסֶד, *hesed*) despite the people's persistent disobedience. Verse 3 stands as a pivotal introductory statement, articulating the ideal standard of conduct that Israel consistently failed to uphold. This sets up 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 the miraculous nature of God’s grace and forgiveness, which is the underlying theme of the entire psalm. The verse echoes the wisdom tradition found in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked") and [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Purpose of Proverbs"), where blessedness is tied to walking in God's ways.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from a post-exilic period, possibly during the time of national repentance and rebuilding (e.g., Nehemiah or Ezra's time), as it reflects on the entire sweep of Israelite history, culminating in their dispersion among the nations. The emphasis on "judgment" (*mishpat*) and "righteousness" (*tzedakah*) was 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, reflecting God's own character. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's legitimacy was often tied to his ability to uphold justice; similarly, Israel's national well-being was tied to its collective adherence to God's covenant laws, which were meant to distinguish them from surrounding nations. The concept of "blessedness" (*'ashre*) was deeply rooted in the understanding that prosperity, peace, and divine favor flowed from obedience to the divine will, as outlined in the [Mosaic Law](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial 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 conditional upon human action. Secondly, **Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness** are highlighted, as "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness" are direct expressions of fidelity to God's covenant demands. This theme is central to Israel's identity and their relationship with God, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:25](/deuteronomy/6-25 "Deuteronomy 6:25 - Righteousness Through Obedience"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Consistency and Steadfastness** required in righteous living, emphasized by the phrase "at all times." This challenges any notion of partial or sporadic obedience, calling for a holistic and unwavering commitment. Finally, the verse implicitly sets up the theme of **Human Failure and Divine Grace**, as the subsequent historical recounting in Psalm 106 demonstrates Israel's consistent inability to meet this ideal, thereby magnifying God's enduring mercy and patience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _'ashre_):** This word, often translated as "happy" or "fortunate," describes a state of spiritual flourishing and well-being that results from a right relationship with God and adherence to His ways. It is not merely an emotional state but a divinely conferred condition of favor and prosperity. It frequently appears at the beginning of psalms (e.g., [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man")) to set a foundational principle for a life lived under God's blessing.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpat_):** This term refers to justice, legal decisions, ordinances, or God's decrees. It encompasses both the act of judging and the standard by which one judges. In this context, "keeping judgment" means observing God's statutes, upholding His righteous standards, and applying principles of equity and fairness in all areas of life, reflecting God's own character as a just judge.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tzedakah_):** This word denotes moral uprightness, integrity, and conformity to God's ethical requirements. It is a comprehensive term that includes both personal conduct (living blamelessly before God) and social justice (acting justly towards others). "Doing righteousness" implies an active, ongoing pursuit of what is morally right and aligned with God's will, not merely the absence of wrongdoing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [are] they that keep judgment":** This clause establishes the first condition for experiencing divine favor. "Keeping judgment" implies a diligent and consistent adherence to God's revealed will, His laws, and His standards of justice. It speaks to a life lived in conscious obedience to divine ordinances, recognizing God as the ultimate authority and source of all true justice. This involves both understanding God's commands and actively applying them in one's life and community.
* **"[and] he that doeth righteousness":** This second clause complements the first, emphasizing the active and practical outworking of one's commitment to God's standards. While "keeping judgment" might suggest internal adherence and respect for the law, "doing righteousness" highlights the external, tangible actions of moral uprightness and ethical conduct. It's not enough to know what is right; one must actively perform it, demonstrating integrity in all dealings and seeking to live in conformity with God's holy character.
* **"at all times":** This crucial phrase underscores the requirement for unwavering commitment and consistency. It elevates the standard from occasional acts of goodness to a lifestyle characterized by constant obedience and integrity. True blessedness is not found in sporadic bursts of virtue but in a steadfast, continuous dedication to God's ways, regardless of circumstances or personal convenience. This sets an incredibly high, indeed humanly unattainable, standard, which implicitly points to the need for divine enablement.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:3 employs several powerful **literary devices**. 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 related terms, reinforcing the singular concept of living righteously before God. This creates a sense of completeness and emphasis on 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, thereby subtly foreshadowing the historical failures detailed in the rest of the psalm. 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. The verse also serves as an **Inclusio** with the broader wisdom tradition found in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")), where blessedness is consistently linked to righteous living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:3 encapsulates a core theological truth: 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.

* [Deuteronomy 6:25](/deuteronomy/6-25 "Deuteronomy 6:25 - Righteousness Through Obedience")
* [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - Doing Righteousness and Justice")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:3 offers a profound challenge and 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 standards. The call to "keep judgment" and "do righteousness at all times" compels us to examine the consistency of our walk with God. It's not enough to profess faith; we are called to embody it in our daily choices, our interactions, and our 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, but "at all times," trusting in God's grace to enable us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most consistent in "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness"? Where do I struggle with consistency?**
* **How does my understanding of "blessedness" align with the biblical definition presented in this verse? Am I seeking blessing through obedience, or through other means?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more actively "do righteousness" in my daily interactions and in my community?**
* **How does the phrase "at all times" challenge my current approach to living out my faith?**

### 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 in business dealings, treating others with respect regardless of their background, and seeking to correct injustices where we have influence. It's about living a life that 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](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule").

**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. While it clearly links blessedness to righteous living, the broader context of Psalm 106, which details Israel's repeated failures and God's enduring grace, 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. 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:3, with its lofty standard of "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness at all times," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While humanity, as demonstrated throughout Psalm 106, consistently fails to meet this 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." The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the one who fulfilled all righteousness (e.g., [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Baptism and Fulfillment of Righteousness")). His perfect life of obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, is the 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](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). 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](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")) 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 15:2

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

James 1:25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Psalms 119:112

I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, [even unto] the end.

Revelation 22:14

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.