Psalms 25:3

KJV

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, let none that wait {H6960} on thee be ashamed {H954}: let them be ashamed {H954} which transgress {H898} without cause {H7387}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one waiting for you will be disgraced; disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.

American Standard Version

Yea, none that wait for thee shall be put to shame: They shall be put to shame that deal treacherously without cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:3 serves as a profound declaration within David's earnest prayer, articulating a foundational truth concerning divine faithfulness and justice. It confidently asserts that those who patiently and trustingly await the Lord's intervention will never experience the disgrace of unfulfilled hope or public humiliation. Conversely, the verse invokes a plea for righteous judgment, desiring that shame befall those who act treacherously and without provocation, thereby highlighting the stark moral and spiritual distinction between the righteous who rely on God and the wicked who willfully defy His established order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is a deeply personal and earnest prayer attributed to King David, structured as an acrostic psalm, though its adherence to the Hebrew alphabet is not perfectly consistent. It likely stems from a period of significant distress, possibly when David faced multiple adversaries, the consequences of past sins, or both. The psalm opens with an immediate and fervent appeal for divine guidance and protection, as seen in [Psalms 25:1-2](/psalms/25-1-2 "Psalms 25:1-2 - David's Prayer for Guidance and Protection"), setting a tone of profound trust in God's character. Verse 3 then emerges as a confident assertion, foundational to David's faith, that God will vindicate those who rely on Him. Subsequent verses include heartfelt confessions of sin (e.g., [Psalms 25:7](/psalms/25-7 "Psalms 25:7 - Do Not Remember the Sins of My Youth")), urgent pleas for deliverance from adversaries (e.g., [Psalms 25:19-20](/psalms/25-19-20 "Psalms 25:19-20 - Deliverance from Enemies")), and a culminating longing for the redemption of Israel (e.g., [Psalms 25:22](/psalms/25-22 "Psalms 25:22 - Redeem Israel, O God")). Within this flow, verse 3 acts as a pivotal declaration of God's justice, expressing David's unwavering conviction that God will not abandon His faithful, while simultaneously desiring that the wicked face the shame they justly deserve.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, whose life was frequently marked by intense periods of political intrigue, personal betrayal, and military conflict, this psalm profoundly reflects the realities of leadership and faith in ancient Israel. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: _bosh_) held immense cultural significance in the ancient Near East, often implying public disgrace, the loss of honor, or the devastating failure of one's expectations or schemes. To be "ashamed" was to be utterly exposed, humiliated, and stripped of one's standing. Conversely, to "wait" (Hebrew: _qavah_) on God was not a passive state but an active posture of patient endurance, hopeful expectation, and steadfast reliance on Yahweh's timing and intervention. This was a common and vital spiritual discipline for the covenant people, who frequently found themselves in situations requiring divine rescue and vindication. The "transgressors without cause" would have been understood as those who acted with unprovoked malice, treachery, or injustice, perhaps specific political enemies, personal betrayers, or generally those who willfully defied God's moral order and covenant principles.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 25:3 powerfully underscores God's unwavering **divine faithfulness and vindication**. It proclaims that God will always uphold those who place their trust in Him, ensuring their hope is realized and their integrity defended against those who seek to undermine them. This stands in stark contrast to the **ultimate fate of the wicked**, who despite temporary success, will face public disgrace for their unprovoked treachery. The very act of "waiting on God" encapsulates the theme of **patient endurance and active reliance**, a spiritual discipline where believers confidently anticipate God's perfect timing and intervention. This posture of expectant trust is foundational to the covenant relationship, promising that those who truly seek the Lord will not be disappointed, a truth beautifully echoed in passages like [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewed Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord") and reinforced throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 28:18](/proverbs/28-18 "Proverbs 28:18 - The Righteous and the Perverse"). The verse also highlights the pervasive biblical theme of **divine justice**, where righteousness is ultimately rewarded and wickedness is judged, demonstrating God's moral governance over all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wait (Hebrew, קָוָה, _qâvâh'_):** From a primitive root, this verb signifies more than mere passive waiting. It conveys the active sense of binding together (perhaps by twisting), collecting, and figuratively, to expect. It denotes a hope firmly fixed on God, implying patient endurance and active reliance that God will indeed act on one's behalf. It suggests a sustained, hopeful posture rather than a fleeting wish, embodying a deep trust in divine timing and faithfulness.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, בּוּשׁ, _bûwsh'_):** This primitive root properly means "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being disappointed or delayed. In biblical terms, to be "ashamed" refers to the disgrace that comes from unfulfilled hope, public humiliation, or the failure of one's schemes. The prayer is that the faithful will not experience this outcome, but that the wicked will, signifying the public exposure and ultimate failure of their treachery.
* **Transgress (Hebrew, בָּגַד, _bâgad'_):** This primitive root means "to cover (with a garment)," and figuratively, "to act covertly." By implication, it means "to pillage" or "to deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully)." It describes those who are habitually treacherous, disloyal, or unfaithful. The term highlights the deliberate, unprovoked, and often deceitful nature of their actions, emphasizing their moral culpability and the injustice of their behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed:"** This clause expresses a fervent prayer and a confident declaration of faith. The opening "Yea" (אף, _aph_) emphasizes the certainty and intensity of the plea, serving as an emphatic affirmation. It asserts that those who actively, patiently, and trustingly rely on God will not be disappointed in their hope or suffer public disgrace. This is a foundational promise of divine vindication for the faithful, implying that God will uphold their integrity, honor their trust, and ultimately fulfill their expectations.
* **"let them be ashamed which transgress without cause."** This second clause functions as a contrasting imprecation, a plea for divine justice against the wicked. The phrase "transgress without cause" (בּוֹגְדִים בְּרֵיקָם, _bogedim b'reyqam_) specifically refers to those who act treacherously, deceitfully, or disloyally without any legitimate provocation or reason, their actions being entirely unmerited and malicious. The prayer is that these malicious individuals will indeed experience the shame and public humiliation they justly deserve, signifying the ultimate failure and exposure of their unrighteous schemes and the vindication of God's moral order.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 25:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **antithetical parallelism**, where the two clauses present opposing ideas in a balanced structure, starkly contrasting the destiny of the faithful with that of the treacherous. This juxtaposition ("none that wait on thee" vs. "them which transgress without cause") creates a powerful rhetorical effect, emphasizing the clear moral and spiritual divide and the distinct outcomes for each group under divine judgment. The repetition of the concept of "shame" (בּוּשׁ, _bûwsh_) in both clauses, applied to opposing groups, functions as a form of **chiasm** or **antimetabole** in its conceptual reversal, reinforcing the central theme of vindication for the righteous and judgment for the wicked. The use of the **imperative** mood ("let none... be ashamed," "let them be ashamed") functions as a fervent prayer or imprecation, appealing directly to God's justice and active intervention in the affairs of humanity. Furthermore, the concept of "shame" itself functions as a potent **symbol**, representing public disgrace, the failure of one's expectations, or the ultimate collapse of unrighteous schemes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on God's unwavering justice and His covenant faithfulness. It affirms that genuine trust in God is never in vain, a truth foundational to the Abrahamic covenant and its subsequent expressions throughout redemptive history. The promise of vindication for the righteous and shame for the wicked is a recurring motif, underscoring God's moral governance of the world and His commitment to uphold His own character. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of righteousness and the futility of rebellion against God, reassuring believers that their patient endurance will be rewarded and their trust honored, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. It highlights the divine commitment to uphold those who depend on Him, ensuring that their hope in Him will not be disappointed, and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Those Who Wait on the Lord Will Not Be Ashamed")
* [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")
* [1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "Cornerstone That Will Not Put Believers to Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 25:3 offers profound comfort and a clear challenge for contemporary believers. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, where the wicked appear to prosper, and where our faith can be tested by delays and difficulties, this verse serves as an anchor, reminding us that God sees, God knows, and God will act. It calls us to cultivate a posture of active, patient waiting, trusting in His timing and His perfect justice, rather than resorting to our own devices, despair, or seeking immediate gratification. This active waiting is not passive resignation but a dynamic, hopeful anticipation rooted in God's character. It also compels us to examine our own lives: are we truly among those who wait on the Lord, living with integrity, faithfulness, and a heart fixed on Him? Or do our actions, intentions, or attitudes betray a spirit of treachery, self-reliance, or unprovoked malice that ultimately leads to spiritual and relational shame? This verse assures us that steadfast faith in God will ultimately lead to vindication and honor, while unrighteousness will inevitably lead to disgrace and exposure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "waiting on the Lord" challenge your understanding of patience and active faith in your current circumstances?**
* **In what specific ways might you be tempted to act "without cause" or betray trust in your relationships or responsibilities, and how does this verse call you to repentance and integrity?**
* **How does the promise that those who wait on God will not be ashamed strengthen your hope amidst trials, perceived injustice, or delays in God's apparent intervention?**

### FAQ

**What does "wait on thee" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Waiting on God" (Hebrew: _qavah_) is far more than passive idleness. It implies an active, patient, and hopeful expectation. It means to bind oneself to God, to endure with steadfastness, and to confidently anticipate His intervention and deliverance. It's a posture of trust that God will act in His perfect timing and according to His righteous character, even when circumstances are difficult or His actions are not immediately apparent. It involves leaning into His sovereignty and relying on His promises, as seen in the enduring hope of the prophets and psalmists, such as in [Isaiah 30:18](/isaiah/30-18 "Isaiah 30:18 - Blessed Are All Who Wait for Him").

**Does this verse imply that all suffering for believers is a result of sin?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that all suffering for believers is a result of their own sin. While Psalm 25 as a whole does include David's confession of sin (e.g., [Psalms 25:7](/psalms/25-7 "Psalms 25:7 - Do Not Remember the Sins of My Youth")), verse 3 specifically addresses the shame that comes from _unfulfilled hope_ for the righteous and the shame that comes from _treachery_ for the wicked. Believers may suffer for various reasons, including living righteously in a fallen world (as seen in [1 Peter 4:16](/1_peter/4-16 "1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering as a Christian")), being persecuted for their faith, or simply enduring the common hardships of life. The promise here is that their _trust in God_ will not ultimately lead to disgrace, regardless of the source of their trials, because God is faithful to His own.

**How does God "shame" those who transgress without cause?**

Answer: God "shames" those who transgress without cause in various ways, often through the natural consequences of their actions, the exposure of their deceit, or ultimately through divine judgment. This shame can manifest as public disgrace, the failure of their wicked schemes, the loss of their influence, or a deep internal conviction of their wrongdoing. In the broader biblical narrative, it points to the ultimate accountability before God, where all hidden things will be brought to light and justice will prevail, as promised in passages like [Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "Ecclesiastes 12:14 - God Will Bring Every Deed into Judgment") and [Romans 2:5-8](/romans/2-5-8 "Romans 2:5-8 - God's Righteous Judgment"). This shame is not merely human embarrassment but a divine verdict on their unprovoked wickedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the one who "waited on" the Father and was gloriously vindicated. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, lived a life of complete reliance and submission to God's will, patiently enduring rejection and suffering, even to the point of death on a cross. He was the innocent one, "transgressed against without cause" by a world that rejected Him and crucified Him, despite His blameless life. Yet, God did not leave Him "ashamed"; rather, He was gloriously vindicated through His resurrection from the dead and His ascension to the Father's right hand, proving Him to be the [Son of God with power](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God with Power"). For believers, our waiting is now a waiting _for_ Christ's return and the full realization of His kingdom. We are assured that our hope in Him will never lead to shame, for "[whoever believes in him will not be put to shame](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame")" (Romans 10:11). Christ bore our shame on the cross (as seen in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")) so that we might receive His glory, transforming the very meaning of "shame" for those who are "in Him." His victory over sin and death ensures that those who trust in Him will ultimately share in His vindication, standing blameless and unashamed before God's throne, as beautifully promised in [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - Keeping You from Stumbling and Presenting You Blameless").

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

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Micah 7:7

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Psalms 62:5

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].