Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "do good things," it highlights observing justice and doing righteousness—implying a consistent, active commitment to what's right, not just occasional acts. This isn't about perfection, but a steady, ongoing practice of aligning your life with God's will, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, recalling His goodness and steadfast love, and then immediately shifts to what it means to truly belong to God's people. The verses following Psalm 106:3 highlight the consequences of Israel's disobedience by recounting their history of sin and God's patient faithfulness. This sets up the conditions for blessing: a life lived in consistent justice and righteousness, reflecting God's own character.
The verse talks about 'keeping judgment' and 'doing righteousness.' Are these really different actions, or is it more like one whole idea expressed in two ways?
The Hebrew phrasing here in Psalm 106:3 suggests that 'keeping judgment' and 'doing righteousness' aren't separate tasks, but rather two ways of describing the same core commitment.
Think of it like this: you can't truly 'do righteousness' without 'keeping judgment' in your heart and mind. They are intrinsically linked – one is the wisdom, the other is the action. The repetition reinforces the completeness and totality of this committed life.
The phrase 'at all times' isn't just a suggestion; it's the key to experiencing the fullness of the blessing described.
This verse doesn't just say that blessedness comes from doing right things occasionally. The crucial element is the persistence – 'at all times.'
This means:
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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.
zakar · Hebrew Verb
To bring to mind or to act upon a memory. When used of God, it signifies that He is choosing to act according to His covenant promises and grace.
ratson · Hebrew Noun
Unmerited divine goodwill, kindness, or acceptance extended toward individuals or the community, often resulting in deliverance or blessing.
yasha · Hebrew Verb
The act of delivering, rescuing, or preserving someone from danger, sin, or death. It is ultimately accomplished by God’s power and intervention.
This passage echoes the heart of Psalms 106:3 by directly stating what God requires: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God, highlighting the core principles of righteous living.
Matthew 5:6Jesus echoes the sentiment of blessedness for righteousness, stating 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied,' connecting the desire for justice with divine fulfillment.
1 John 2:3-4This passage links knowing God with obedience, stating that if we claim to know Him but do not keep His commands, we are liars, emphasizing that true righteousness is demonstrated through consistent action, not just words.
Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit listed here—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—are the internal qualities that naturally lead to 'keeping judgment' and 'doing righteousness at all times'.
Psalm 15:1-5This psalm is a direct parallel, asking 'O LORD, who shall abide in thy tent? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?' and answering with a list of righteous actions and character traits that align perfectly with the call to justice and righteousness.
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 doesn't just say "do good things," it highlights observing justice and doing righteousness—implying a consistent, active commitment to what's right, not just occasional acts. This isn't about perfection, but a steady, ongoing practice of aligning your life with God's will, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
This psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, recalling His goodness and steadfast love, and then immediately shifts to what it means to truly belong to God's people. The verses following Psalm 106:3 highlight the consequences of Israel's disobedience by recounting their history of sin and God's patient faithfulness. This sets up the conditions for blessing: a life lived in consistent justice and righteousness, reflecting God's own character.
This psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, recalling His goodness and steadfast love, and then immediately shifts to what it means to truly belong to God's people. The verses following Psalm 106:3 highlight the consequences of Israel's disobedience by recounting their history of sin and God's patient faithfulness. This sets up the conditions for blessing: a life lived in consistent justice and righteousness, reflecting God's own character.
"Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them," — The verse doesn't just say "do good things," it highlights observing justice and doing righteousness—implying a consistent, active commitment to what's right, not just occasional acts. This isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026