Psalm 106 3

Psalm 106:3 kjv

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

Psalm 106:3 nkjv

Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times!

Psalm 106:3 niv

Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.

Psalm 106:3 esv

Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!

Psalm 106:3 nlt

There is joy for those who deal justly with others
and always do what is right.

Psalm 106 verses

Psalm 106 3 Meaning

Psalm 106:3 proclaims that true happiness and divine favor are experienced by those who consistently live by God's standards of justice and righteousness. It identifies a state of blessedness, not as a static position, but as a dynamic lifestyle characterized by active adherence to God's ways. Those who genuinely uphold and apply moral and ethical principles, rooted in God's character, will enjoy a divinely-approved life.

Psalm 106 3 Context

Psalm 106 is a confessional and historical psalm, recalling Israel's long history of rebellion against God, punctuated by moments of divine judgment and faithful mercy. It recounts a series of covenant breaches by Israel, from their time in Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Amidst this narrative of unfaithfulness and repeated turning away, verse 3 stands as a striking contrast and an ideal. It highlights the principles of true blessing and warns against the covenant presumption that was so prevalent in Israel's history—the belief that divine favor would automatically accrue regardless of obedience. The verse serves as a wisdom interjection, defining what true blessedness looks like for individuals or for a nation, in stark contrast to the national failure documented immediately afterward. Historically, this psalm serves as a didactic warning to later generations not to repeat the mistakes of their forefathers by forsaking justice and righteousness.

Psalm 106 3 Word analysis

• Blessed ('ashrei, אַשְׁרֵי): This word refers to a state of inner joy, deep happiness, or divine approval and favor. It speaks of the deep satisfaction that comes from living in alignment with God's will. It is not mere good fortune, but an enviable state of spiritual well-being resulting from a right relationship with the divine.

• are those who observe (shomerey, שֹׁמְרֵי): The root shamar means "to guard," "to keep," "to watch over," or "to observe." It implies active, careful adherence, not just passive awareness. It signifies protecting or preserving, indicating a deliberate and consistent commitment to the precepts.

• justice (mishpat, מִשְׁפָּט): This term encompasses much more than just legal judgments; it refers to what is right, fair, equitable, and in conformity with God's established order. It includes the concept of righteous government, social order, and treating others correctly, especially the vulnerable. It implies doing what is right because it is God's will and reflection of His character.

• who do ('oseh, עֹשֵׂה): From the verb 'asah, meaning "to make," "to do," or "to perform." It emphasizes active engagement and practice. This is not about mere belief or profession, but the active execution of one's duty and moral obligations.

• righteousness (tsedaqah, צְדָקָה): This denotes conformity to a moral standard, uprightness, and integrity. In a theological sense, it is conduct aligned with God's perfect and holy character. It extends to ethical behavior, social responsibility, and charitable acts, reflecting a commitment to what is good and right in God's eyes.

• at all times! (b'khol-'et, בְּכָל־עֵת): This phrase emphasizes the enduring and unwavering nature of this practice. It speaks to consistency, persistence, and reliability, implying that the observation of justice and the doing of righteousness are not sporadic acts but a continuous lifestyle, regardless of circumstances or convenience.

• "observe justice": This phrase means to actively uphold and embody what is just according to God's standard. It implies a conscious effort to ensure fairness, equity, and moral rightness in all spheres of life, both personal and communal. It is an outward demonstration of an internal commitment to divine order.

• "do righteousness": This speaks to the practical, visible outworking of one's ethical and spiritual commitments. It is about performing acts that are morally right and in line with God's commands, demonstrating piety and upright conduct. This involves intentional action that manifests justice and virtue in daily living.

• "observe justice, who do righteousness": These two parallel clauses are characteristic of Hebrew poetry, often highlighting two aspects of the same concept or two closely related ideas. They stress both the internal recognition/upholding of what is right (shamar mishpat) and the external practice/execution of it ('asah tsedaqah). Justice (fairness, societal right) and righteousness (personal integrity, ethical uprightness) are inseparable; true blessedness arises from embracing both holistically and actively.

• "at all times!": This intensifies the requirement, underscoring that blessedness is tied to a continuous, persistent pursuit of justice and righteousness. It means that consistency, endurance, and perseverance are key components of a life truly pleasing to God, regardless of changing circumstances or challenges. This stands in sharp contrast to Israel's historical inconsistency.

Psalm 106 3 Bonus section

The ideal presented in Psa 106:3 is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who "did not know sin, but became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21). He alone consistently "observed justice" and "did righteousness at all times." For believers, this verse is not merely an unattainable human ideal but a description of the life they are called to live, empowered by the Holy Spirit. While humans cannot achieve perfect righteousness in themselves, through faith in Christ, they are declared righteous and progressively conformed to His image, enabling them to pursue justice and righteousness in their actions more consistently. This is both an individual calling and a societal responsibility for those who follow God. The pursuit of justice and righteousness is integral to showing the world God's character and advancing His Kingdom on earth.

Psalm 106 3 Commentary

Psalm 106:3 provides a profound definition of genuine blessedness, contrasting sharply with the national unfaithfulness recounted throughout the rest of the chapter. It highlights that divine favor and deep satisfaction are not mere birthrights but are contingent upon a life of active and continuous obedience to God's moral and ethical demands. The "observing of justice" implies a commitment to the objective standards of what is right and fair, aligning one's principles with God's own character and decrees. The "doing of righteousness" moves beyond principles to practice, demanding active expression of uprightness and moral conduct in daily life. The crucial phrase "at all times" underscores the imperative for unwavering consistency, revealing that God values not just episodic acts of virtue but an enduring lifestyle of holiness. This verse implicitly sets an ideal against the backdrop of Israel's repeated failure to live up to these standards, pointing to a true blessedness that comes from steadfast dedication to God's just and righteous ways, a dedication made possible by faith.