Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just saying that justice and righteousness are good things; it's highlighting that true blessing comes from a consistent, ingrained practice of both, at all times. This isn't about occasional acts of goodness, but a life lived in constant alignment with God's will, demonstrating an unwavering devotion that permeates every circumstance.
Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, recognizing His goodness and enduring mercy. The Psalmist then shifts to describe the kind of people who are truly blessed by God – those who consistently live justly and righteously, setting them apart from those who stray. This focus on righteous living serves as a prelude to the recounting of Israel's history, highlighting both their faithfulness and their failures as a contrast to the ideal.
What does it really mean to 'keep judgment' and 'do righteousness'? It’s more than just following rules; it's about a deep-seated way of living.
This verse paints a picture of what genuine blessing looks like. It's not found in outward ceremonies alone, but in a consistent, active commitment to what is right.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Some scholars suggest these phrases might even be a poetic repetition, emphasizing that true righteousness flows from a heart that values justice. It’s about a life aligned with God’s will, not just on special occasions, but 'at all times'.
What separates the blessed life from fleeting moments of good behavior? The verse gives us a powerful clue.
The phrase 'at all times' is key here. It’s not about sporadic acts of goodness but about a steady, unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness.
Living Rightly, Always
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This consistent practice is what the Psalmist identifies as the mark of true blessing, suggesting that a life of integrity, pursued without wavering, attracts God's favor.
Understand the original words
ashrei · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
The state of being favored by God; often implies happiness, spiritual well-being, and being in a right relationship with the Creator, resulting in divine favor.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The application of God's moral standards to human affairs; giving everyone their due and upholding the right, particularly for the vulnerable.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
Conformity to God’s moral law and character; acting in a way that is upright, honest, and pleasing to the Lord in every situation.
This psalm is sung in the shadow of the Babylonian exile, a devastating consequence of Israel's persistent failure to 'keep judgment' and 'do righteousness.' The lament underscores that true blessing isn't about national status, but personal, enduring faithfulness to God's commands, even when surrounded by unfaithfulness.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy of Israel
Following the period of the Judges, Saul, David, and Solomon establish a unified kingdom. This era represents a high point of national identity and divine favor for Israel.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united monarchy splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to a period of political instability and often idolatrous worship.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and marking a significant divine judgment for their unfaithfulness.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem, exiling King Jehoiachin and many skilled people to Babylon. This event marks the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians return, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile the majority of the remaining population. This is the nadir of Israel's history, a profound consequence of generations of disobedience.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Captures Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, overthrows Babylon. This event paves the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
c. 538-516 BC
Return from Exile and Temple Rebuilding
Under decrees from Cyrus, many Jewish exiles return to Judah and begin rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This marks a period of hope and restoration.
This passage echoes the call for justice and righteousness, emphasizing that true godliness involves acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, which aligns with the constant practice described in Psalms 106:3.
Proverbs 21:3It highlights that practicing righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifices, reinforcing the idea that consistent, upright living is a primary way to please God, as stated in Psalms 106:3.
Matthew 5:6Jesus declares that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, connecting the pursuit and practice of righteousness with divine blessing, mirroring the blessedness promised in Psalms 106:3.
1 John 2:3-4This passage asserts that if we claim to know God, we must keep His commandments, and the ultimate commandment is to love one another; this speaks to the consistent obedience and righteous living implied in Psalms 106:3.
Psalm 15:1-5This psalm describes the characteristics of one who may dwell in God's presence, including speaking truth, not slandering, doing no wrong to a neighbor, and not taking bribes—all aspects of observing justice and doing righteousness at all times.
clarkePsalms 106:3: "Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times."
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times - How near do the Anglo-Saxon, the ancient Scottish Version, and the present translation, approach to each other! Anglo-Saxon. "Blessed they that holdeth doom, and doth righteousness in ilkere tide." Anglo-Scottish. Blisful tha that kepes dome, and duse rightwisnes in ilk tyme. Those are truly blessed, or happy, whos…
pulpitPsalms 106:3: "Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times."
Verse 3. - Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. No distinction of meaning is intended between "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness." The second clause merely repeats the first.
The verse isn't just saying that justice and righteousness are good things; it's highlighting that true blessing comes from a consistent, ingrained practice of both, at all times. This isn't about occasional acts of goodness, but a life lived in constant alignment with God's will, demonstrating an unwavering devotion that permeates every circumstance.
This psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, recognizing His goodness and enduring mercy. The Psalmist then shifts to describe the kind of people who are truly blessed by God – those who consistently live justly and righteously, setting them apart from those who stray. This focus on righteous living serves as a prelude to the recounting of Israel's history, highlighting both their faithfulness and their failures as a contrast to the ideal.
This psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, recognizing His goodness and enduring mercy. The Psalmist then shifts to describe the kind of people who are truly blessed by God – those who consistently live justly and righteously, setting them apart from those who stray. This focus on righteous living serves as a prelude to the recounting of Israel's history, highlighting both their faithfulness and their failures as a contrast to the ideal.
"Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!" — The verse isn't just saying that justice and righteousness are good things; it's highlighting that true blessing comes from a consistent, ingrained practice of both, at all times. This isn't about…
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Last reviewed October 2026