Deuteronomy 6:18
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This isn't just about following rules; it's about actively choosing "what is right and good" in God's eyes, not just our own perception. True obedience is about aligning our actions with His revealed will, which is the very path to experiencing His blessings and securing the promised land.
And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the command to love and diligently teach God's ways, this verse urges Israel to actively do what is pleasing to the Lord, not just what seems right in their own eyes. This obedience is directly tied to their future: it ensures things go well and they can successfully take possession of the promised land, which was guaranteed to their ancestors. Failing to do so would mean their promised inheritance would remain out of reach, just as it had for the previous generation who perished in the wilderness.
We all like to think we're doing 'good.' But what determines what's truly right and good?
Deuteronomy 6:18 commands Israel to 'do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD.' This isn't about personal opinion or what seems good to us.
God's Definition is Key
The surrounding verses make it clear: God's will and Word are the standard. It means obeying the commandments He has given. Doing what is right isn't based on human logic or cultural norms, but on divine instruction. We can't just invent our own ways to serve God or define righteousness for ourselves. His Word is the ultimate guide.
The Danger of Self-Righteousness
Often, what seems right to us can be misguided. History and our own lives show that we can be wrong about what is truly 'good.' Sticking to God's revealed will ensures our actions are genuinely pleasing to Him.
What's the connection between doing right and actually experiencing God's promises?
The verse links obedience directly to tangible outcomes: 'that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land.' This isn't a magical formula, but a covenantal reality.
Blessings of Obedience
When Israel followed God's commands, things would 'go well.' This implied prosperity, peace, and favor. It meant experiencing the fullness of life God intended.
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Possessing the Promise
More specifically, obedience was the condition for entering and enjoying the promised land. God had sworn to give it, but their faithfulness determined the timing and completeness of their possession. Disobedience could delay or even forfeit the blessing, as seen when generations were kept out of the land due to their parents' failures. This shows that God's promises are often realized through our cooperation with His will.
Understand the original words
erets · Hebrew Noun
The land promised by covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as a place of rest, blessing, and dwelling for the people of God.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
To take physical control or occupy territory through divine promise and victory, often referring to the inheritance of the Promised Land.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy's call to obedience for success, emphasizing that success in possessing the promised land hinges on meditating on and carefully following God's law.
Jeremiah 34:15-16This shows a historical consequence of failing to do what is right and good; the people failed to uphold their covenant, and God judged them, highlighting the serious nature of disobeying God's commands.
Romans 7:12This verse confirms the nature of God's law as holy, righteous, and good, aligning with Deuteronomy's instruction to do what is right and good in God's sight, which means obeying His revealed will.
1 Samuel 15:22This passage directly contrasts obedience with sacrifice, stressing that doing what is right and good in God's sight is far more important to Him than ritual actions, a core principle in Deuteronomy.
gillDeuteronomy 6:18: "And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,"
And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord,.... And what is such appears from the declaration of his mind and will in the commandments he has given, and obeying which is therefore doing what is right and good; for his commandment is holy, just, and good,…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 6:18: "And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,"
18 . do that which is right , etc.] Cp. Deuteronomy 12:25 . mayest go in and possess ] See above on Deuteronomy 6:1 . 18, 19 . Resumption of the Sg. address; in spite of this the originality of these verses also has been doubted. It is at least curious that we have in them the divin…
This isn't just about following rules; it's about actively choosing "what is right and good" in God's eyes, not just our own perception. True obedience is about aligning our actions with His revealed will, which is the very path to experiencing His blessings and securing the promised land.
Following the command to love and diligently teach God's ways, this verse urges Israel to actively do what is pleasing to the Lord, not just what seems right in their own eyes. This obedience is directly tied to their future: it ensures things go well and they can successfully take possession of the promised land, which was guaranteed to their ancestors. Failing to do so would mean their promised inheritance would remain out of reach, just as it had for the previous generation who perished in the wilderness.
Following the command to love and diligently teach God's ways, this verse urges Israel to actively do what is pleasing to the Lord, not just what seems right in their own eyes. This obedience is directly tied to their future: it ensures things go well and they can successfully take possession of the promised land, which was guaranteed to their ancestors. Failing to do so would mean their promised inheritance would remain out of reach, just as it had for the previous generation who perished in the wilderness.
"And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may go well with you, and that you may go in and take possession of the good land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers" — This isn't just about following rules; it's about actively choosing "what is right and good" in God's eyes, not just our own perception. True obedience is about aligning our actions with His reveal…
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Last reviewed October 2026
