Psalms 64:10

KJV

The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

The righteous {H6662} shall be glad {H8055}{H8799)} in the LORD {H3068}, and shall trust {H2620}{H8804)} in him; and all the upright {H3477} in heart {H3820} shall glory {H1984}{H8691)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteous will rejoice in ADONAI; they will take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will exult.

Berean Standard Bible

Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; let all the upright in heart exult.

American Standard Version

The righteous shall be glad in Jehovah, and shall take refuge in him; And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 64:10 serves as a triumphant declaration following a psalm of lament, articulating the ultimate response of God's people to His divine justice and faithfulness. It powerfully asserts that those who live righteously will find their deepest joy and security in the Lord, confidently trusting in Him, and ultimately glorifying His name in response to His righteous acts and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 64:10 provides a stark and hopeful conclusion to a psalm dominated by David's fervent prayer for deliverance from malicious enemies. The preceding verses (Psalms 64:1-6) vividly describe the secret plots, slanderous words, and hidden snares laid by the wicked, who "sharpen their tongue like a sword" and "bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words" ([Psalms 64:3](/psalms/64-3 "Psalm 64:3 - Malicious Slander")). David appeals to God to hear his voice and preserve his life from these "secret counsel of the wicked" ([Psalms 64:2](/psalms/64-2 "Psalm 64:2 - Secret Counsel of the Wicked")). The turning point occurs in [Psalms 64:7-9](/psalms/64-7 "Psalm 64:7-9 - God's Sudden Judgment"), where God intervenes suddenly and decisively, striking down the wicked with His own "arrow" – a divine judgment that causes them to stumble and their own tongues to bring them to ruin. This divine intervention leads to fear and awe among all who witness it, prompting them to "declare the work of God" ([Psalms 64:9](/psalms/64-9 "Psalm 64:9 - Declaring the Work of God")). Thus, verse 10 stands as the righteous's joyful and trusting response to this vindication, contrasting sharply with the dismay and astonishment of the wicked.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written by David, this psalm likely reflects a period when he faced intense opposition, possibly from figures like Saul or Absalom, or from those who slandered him at court. The "secret counsel" and "bitter words" point to a context where reputation, political standing, and even life itself could be undermined by verbal attacks and hidden conspiracies, common tactics in ancient Near Eastern courts and conflicts. The concept of divine justice was paramount; the righteous expected God to intervene and reveal the truth, vindicating His faithful servants. Public vindication was not merely a personal triumph but a demonstration of God's active involvement in human affairs, reinforcing His sovereignty and the moral order of the universe. The "glory" of the upright would have been a public acknowledgment of God's power, serving as a powerful testimony to both the community and the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between the wicked and the righteous**, a foundational theme seen from [Psalms 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked") onwards, where the destiny of each group is dramatically different. The wicked are brought to ruin, while the righteous find joy and stability. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine justice and vindication**, portraying God as an active defender of His people who will ultimately judge evil and uphold righteousness. This theme resonates with passages like [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine") and [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **source of true joy and security**. For the righteous, gladness and trust are found exclusively "in the LORD," not in circumstances or the absence of enemies. This echoes the sentiment of [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength"), where the joy of the Lord is presented as strength. Finally, it speaks to the **public glorification of God**, where the righteous's response to God's faithfulness is to openly praise and boast in Him, making His name known.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glad (Hebrew, _śāmaḥ'_):** This word conveys a deep, profound sense of joy, rejoicing, and delight. It is not a fleeting emotion but an abiding inner contentment and exultation that stems from a right relationship with God and the experience of His faithfulness and deliverance. It implies a celebratory response to God's character and actions.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bāṭaḥ'_):** This term signifies leaning upon, confiding in, and feeling secure. It speaks to a confident reliance on God's character, promises, and power, even amidst challenging circumstances or when enemies seem to prevail. It denotes an unwavering faith and security found solely in Him.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _hālal'_):** The root of "hallelujah," this word means to praise, boast, exult, or celebrate. Here, it indicates that the upright will publicly celebrate, magnify, and make the Lord their boast. Their "glory" is not self-aggrandizement but a public acknowledgment of God's power, goodness, and righteous judgment, serving as a powerful testimony to others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The righteous shall be glad in the LORD":** This clause establishes the identity of those who will experience this profound joy – "the righteous," those who align their lives with God's will and walk in integrity. Their gladness is not circumstantial but rooted "in the LORD" Himself, meaning their joy is derived from their relationship with Him, His character, and His acts of justice and deliverance.
* **"and shall trust in him":** This phrase highlights the unwavering faith and confident reliance of the righteous. Even when faced with adversity, slander, or secret plots, their security and confidence remain fixed on God. This trust is ultimately vindicated by God's intervention, proving His faithfulness and might.
* **"and all the upright in heart shall glory":** This final clause expands the scope to include "all the upright in heart," emphasizing that this response is not limited to a select few but encompasses all whose inner character and motives are pure and aligned with God's righteousness. Their "glory" is a public declaration of praise and boasting in the Lord, acknowledging His triumph and making Him the sole source of their honor and victory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Parallelism** to reinforce its central message. The phrases "The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him" and "all the upright in heart shall glory" exhibit synonymous parallelism, where "the righteous" are equated with "all the upright in heart," and "gladness" and "trust" are intrinsically linked to "glorying" in the Lord. This repetition with variation emphasizes the holistic response of God's faithful people. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole utilizes **Contrast** as a dominant literary device, setting the fate of the wicked (sudden destruction, dismay, public scorn) against the destiny of the righteous (gladness, trust, glory). This stark contrast highlights God's justice and the ultimate vindication of His people. The "arrows" of the wicked in earlier verses are contrasted with God's own "arrow" ([Psalms 64:7](/psalms/64-7 "Psalm 64:7 - God's Arrow of Judgment")), making God the ultimate and decisive agent of justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 64:10 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. It teaches that true gladness and security are not found in the absence of trials or the defeat of enemies, but in an unwavering, active relationship with God. The righteous are those who, by faith, align themselves with God's character and purposes, and their vindication is not merely personal but serves as a public demonstration of God's sovereignty and righteousness to a watching world. This verse underscores the eschatological hope that, despite present struggles, God will ultimately set all things right, and His people will rejoice in His perfect justice and faithfulness.

* [Psalms 34:2](/psalms/34-2 "Psalm 34:2 - Boasting in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 64:10 offers an enduring beacon of hope and a clear directive for living. It calls us to cultivate a profound, unshakeable joy that transcends circumstances, a joy rooted solely in the character and faithfulness of God. When faced with slander, injustice, or hidden opposition, our primary response should not be despair or retaliation, but a deepening of our trust in the Lord, knowing that He sees, He hears, and He will act in His perfect timing. This verse encourages us to pursue a life of integrity and uprightness, understanding that such a life is the pathway to experiencing God's vindication and being able to genuinely praise and glorify Him without shame. Our ultimate boast is not in our own strength or cleverness, but in the Lord's power and goodness, thus becoming a powerful testimony to a world desperately searching for true justice and lasting joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it challenging to trust in the Lord when facing opposition or injustice?**
* **How does the concept of "gladness in the LORD" differ from worldly happiness, and how can you cultivate this deeper joy daily?**
* **What does it mean for your "heart" to be "upright," and how does this inner condition relate to your public "glorying" in God?**
* **When God brings about justice or deliverance in your life, how do you ensure that your response is one of glorifying Him, rather than self-congratulation?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "righteous" and "upright in heart" in this context?**

Answer: In the biblical sense, "righteous" (צַדִּיק, _tsaddiq_) refers to one who is in right relationship with God, living in accordance with His commands and character. It implies moral integrity, justice, and faithfulness. "Upright in heart" (יִשְׁרֵי־לֵב, _yishre-lev_) emphasizes inner sincerity and purity of motive, meaning one's thoughts and intentions are also aligned with God's will, not just outward actions. Together, these terms describe those who genuinely follow God and whose lives reflect His truth, distinguishing them from the wicked who plot evil and speak deceitfully, as described earlier in [Psalms 64](/psalms/64 "Psalm 64 - A Prayer for Protection from Enemies").

**How can the righteous be glad and trust in the Lord when they are suffering or facing severe opposition?**

Answer: The gladness and trust described here are not contingent on the immediate absence of suffering, but on the unwavering character of God and the certainty of His ultimate justice. The psalm itself is a lament, indicating that David *was* suffering. The gladness comes from knowing that God is sovereign, that He hears prayers, and that He will ultimately vindicate His people and judge the wicked. This is a faith-based joy and security that looks beyond present circumstances to God's promised future intervention, as seen in the broader biblical emphasis on enduring hope (e.g., [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 64:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament righteous found gladness and trust in the Lord through His acts of deliverance, the New Covenant believer finds this joy and security in the Lord because of Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to them. We are declared "righteous" not by our own works, but by faith in Him who became sin for us, "that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Our gladness is rooted in the finished work of Christ on the cross, where He triumphed over all the "secret plots" and "bitter words" of the enemy, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Our trust is in Him who is "the author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Finisher of Faith")), who has secured our eternal salvation and promises to never leave us nor forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")). And finally, "all the upright in heart shall glory" in Christ, not in themselves. Our "glory" is in the Lord, for "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Boasting in the Lord")). The ultimate vindication of God's justice is seen in the resurrection of Jesus, which assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal joy in His presence ([1 Peter 1:3-9](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-9 - A Living Hope")).

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 32:11

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.

Psalms 33:1

¶ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright.

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

1 Corinthians 1:31

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Job 22:19

The righteous see [it], and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.