Psalms 71:24

KJV

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

KJV (with Strong's)

My tongue {H3956} also shall talk {H1897}{H8799)} of thy righteousness {H6666} all the day {H3117} long: for they are confounded {H954}{H8804)}, for they are brought unto shame {H2659}{H8804)}, that seek {H1245}{H8764)} my hurt {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All day long my tongue will speak of your righteousness. For those who are seeking to harm me will be put to shame and disgraced.

Berean Standard Bible

My tongue will indeed proclaim Your righteousness all day long, for those who seek my harm are disgraced and confounded.

American Standard Version

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long; For they are put to shame, for they are confounded, that seek my hurt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:24 encapsulates the psalmist's profound and unwavering commitment to perpetual praise of God's righteousness, a resolve born from the anticipated or experienced defeat and humiliation of his adversaries. This verse serves as a climactic declaration of trust and gratitude, affirming that divine vindication against those who seek harm will naturally lead to an unceasing, public testimony of God's faithful and just character, transforming affliction into an occasion for glorifying the deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 71 stands as a fervent prayer of an aged believer, a direct appeal for God's continued deliverance in the face of numerous enemies and the vulnerabilities of old age. The psalm opens with a plea for refuge and rescue (verses 1-4), recounting God's faithfulness from youth (verses 5-6) and expressing a resolve to praise God despite current distress (verses 7-8). The psalmist then describes the taunts and plots of his adversaries (verses 9-13) before reiterating his hope and commitment to proclaim God's mighty acts (verses 14-19). Verses 20-23 anticipate God's restoration and deliverance, promising renewed praise. Verse 24, therefore, functions as a triumphant conclusion to this section, a confident declaration of the psalmist's future testimony, directly flowing from the anticipated divine intervention and the subsequent shame of his enemies. It is the natural overflow of a heart confident in God's saving power, a theme woven throughout the entire psalm, from the initial plea to the final doxology.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the author of Psalms 71 is not explicitly named, tradition often attributes it to David in his later years, facing rebellion or opposition. The historical context would involve a leader or prominent individual experiencing significant personal and political threats, possibly from within his own people or from foreign adversaries. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public shame and humiliation were potent forms of defeat, often more devastating than physical injury. To be "confounded" or "brought to shame" meant a public disgrace, a loss of honor and standing, which was a deeply feared outcome. Conversely, divine vindication brought immense honor and justified public praise, reinforcing the social order and God's sovereignty. The psalmist's adversaries likely sought his downfall through slander, conspiracy, or direct attack, making God's intervention a matter of both personal survival and public reputation. The concept of God's "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, *tzedaqah*) was deeply embedded in Israelite covenant theology, signifying not just moral rectitude but God's active faithfulness to His covenant promises, His just dealings, and His saving acts on behalf of His people, especially the oppressed.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 71:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the **unwavering trust in God's faithfulness, even in old age**. The psalmist's confidence that God, who has been his strength from youth (compare [Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5-6 "Psalms 71:5-6 - God's Faithfulness from Youth")), will not abandon him in old age (see [Psalms 71:9](/psalms/71-9 "Psalms 71:9 - Do Not Cast Me Off in Old Age")) is foundational. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine vindication and the shame of adversaries**. The defeat of enemies is not merely a personal triumph but a public demonstration of God's justice. This theme is pervasive in the Psalms, where the righteous are delivered and the wicked are put to shame, as seen in [Psalms 35:26](/psalms/35-26 "Psalms 35:26 - Enemies Put to Shame"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **duty and delight of perpetual praise and testimony**. The psalmist's resolve to "talk of thy righteousness all the day long" reflects a life lived in constant acknowledgment of God's goodness and mighty acts, echoing the call to unceasing praise found in [Psalms 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1 - Continuous Praise"). This continuous praise is a direct response to God's saving righteousness, transforming personal experience into public worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn_):** In Hebrew thought, the "tongue" is often a metonymy for speech itself, representing the instrument of communication, testimony, and praise. Here, it signifies the psalmist's resolve to verbalize and articulate God's righteousness. It is not merely an internal thought but an outward, public declaration, indicating a commitment to witness.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh_):** This rich Hebrew term goes beyond mere moral uprightness. In this context, it refers primarily to God's active, saving justice and faithfulness to His covenant. It encompasses His acts of deliverance, His vindication of the innocent, and His adherence to His promises. The psalmist will speak of God's character as demonstrated through His saving intervention.
* **Confounded / Brought unto shame (Hebrew, _bûwsh_ / _châphêr_):** These two verbs are often used together in the Psalms to describe the utter disgrace, humiliation, and public exposure of enemies. *Bûwsh* implies a sense of disappointment, frustration, and a failure of expectations, while *châphêr* specifically denotes being put to shame, often through a public display of defeat or the failure of one's malicious plans. Together, they powerfully convey the complete and undeniable downfall of the adversaries, contrasting sharply with the psalmist's vindication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long":** This clause expresses the psalmist's unwavering commitment to continuous, public praise. The "tongue" signifies vocal testimony, and "all the day long" is a hyperbolic expression emphasizing the ceaseless and pervasive nature of this declaration. The focus of this testimony is God's "righteousness," specifically His saving acts and His just vindication of the psalmist. It is a promise to live a life of ongoing witness to God's character and deeds.
* **"for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.":** This clause provides the motivation and context for the psalmist's perpetual praise. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, *ki*) indicates causality. The anticipated or experienced defeat of his enemies—their public disgrace and humiliation—is the catalyst for his overflowing testimony. Those who "seek my hurt" are the adversaries who maliciously plot against him, and their ultimate downfall serves as a clear demonstration of God's active justice and righteousness, confirming the psalmist's trust.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 71:24 employs several powerful literary devices. **Metonymy** is evident in "My tongue... shall talk," where "tongue" stands for the act of speaking or proclaiming. This emphasizes the vocal and public nature of the psalmist's praise. **Hyperbole** is used in the phrase "all the day long," which signifies continuous, unceasing praise, rather than a literal 24-hour activity. This highlights the depth and constancy of the psalmist's devotion. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates a strong **Contrast** between the psalmist's vindication and public praise on one hand, and the enemies' confusion and shame on the other. This juxtaposition underscores the justice of God, who elevates the righteous and humbles the wicked. The repetition of "for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame" serves as a form of **Parallelism**, intensifying the emphasis on the enemies' complete and utter disgrace, reinforcing the certainty of their downfall and the justification for the psalmist's praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:24 beautifully articulates a core theological truth: God's active righteousness is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic force that intervenes in human affairs, bringing justice and deliverance. The psalmist's commitment to "talk of thy righteousness all the day long" is a natural, Spirit-inspired response to experiencing God's saving power. This public testimony serves not only to glorify God but also to instruct others, demonstrating that trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, leads to ultimate vindication. The shame of the enemies is a necessary part of this revelation of God's justice, confirming His sovereignty over all human machinations and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. This verse thus connects the personal experience of deliverance to the universal declaration of God's character.

* [Psalms 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1 - Continuous Praise")
* [Psalms 35:28](/psalms/35-28 "Psalms 35:28 - My Tongue Shall Speak of Your Righteousness")
* [Isaiah 45:24](/isaiah/45-24 "Isaiah 45:24 - In the Lord Alone Are Righteousness and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:24 calls us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous praise and testimony, particularly in response to God's faithfulness in our lives. When we experience God's deliverance from difficult circumstances, His vindication against injustice, or His provision in times of need, our natural and Spirit-led response should be to proclaim His goodness and righteousness. This verse reminds us that our praise is not merely for private consumption but is meant to be a public declaration that brings glory to God and encourages others. Even when facing opposition or feeling vulnerable, we are invited to trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring shame to those who oppose His will and seek to harm His people. Our lives, like the psalmist's, are meant to be a constant testament to His character, His saving power, and His unwavering faithfulness, transforming our trials into platforms for His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific acts of God's "righteousness" (His saving justice and faithfulness) have you experienced in your life that prompt you to praise Him?**
* **How might you more consistently "talk of thy righteousness all the day long" in your daily life, both privately and publicly?**
* **In what ways have you seen God confound or bring to shame those who seek to cause harm, whether to you or to His purposes? How did this strengthen your faith?**
* **How does the psalmist's commitment to praise in old age challenge or encourage your own perspective on faith and testimony throughout different seasons of life?**

### FAQ
**What does "righteousness" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 71:24, "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, _tsᵉdâqâh_) refers to God's active and saving justice, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His acts of deliverance on behalf of His people. It's not just about moral uprightness but about God's intervention to set things right, to vindicate the oppressed, and to defeat those who oppose Him. The psalmist's praise is a response to God's demonstrated faithfulness in protecting and delivering him, thereby proving His just character. This understanding of God's righteousness is central to the Old Testament, often linked with salvation and deliverance, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 51:5](/isaiah/51-5 "Isaiah 51:5 - My Righteousness Draws Near").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's righteousness and through whom God's ultimate vindication and salvation are revealed. The psalmist's commitment to proclaim God's righteousness "all the day long" foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to continually declare the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (see [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). It is in Christ that God's saving righteousness is fully manifested, not only in His perfect life and atoning death but also in His glorious resurrection, which brought ultimate confusion and shame to the powers of sin, death, and the devil (compare [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Just as the psalmist's enemies were confounded, so too were the spiritual adversaries defeated at the cross, allowing all who believe to confidently proclaim the righteousness of God found in Christ Jesus (see [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Our praise, therefore, is not merely for personal deliverance but for the cosmic victory secured by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), compelling us to speak of His righteousness all the day long until His glorious return.

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 71:13

Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

Psalms 18:37

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

Psalms 18:43

Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; [and] thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people [whom] I have not known shall serve me.

Psalms 92:11

Mine eye also shall see [my desire] on mine enemies, [and] mine ears shall hear [my desire] of the wicked that rise up against me.

Psalms 35:28

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness [and] of thy praise all the day long.

1 Corinthians 15:25

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.