The verse doesn't just praise consistent good deeds; it highlights that true blessedness comes from actively "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness" at all times. This means faithfulness isn't just a feeling or an occasional act, but a steady, ongoing posture of integrity towards God and others, even when it's difficult.
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, that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, emphasizing His goodness and enduring mercy, even amidst the people's failings. The focus then shifts to what it means to be truly blessed: not just through outward actions, but by consistently living justly and righteously before God and others, reflecting the obedience Israel should have shown. This verse sets the standard for those who can expect God's favor, contrasting with the unfaithfulness that will be detailed later in the psalm.
Why does the verse mention both 'keeping judgment' and 'doing righteousness'? Are these separate ideas, or is there a deeper connection?
This verse emphasizes a holistic approach to living righteously.
Think of it like this: 'Keeping judgment' is the internal compass, and 'doing righteousness' is the journey guided by that compass. Many commentators agree that these phrases are closely linked, with the second clause often seen as reinforcing or explaining the first. It’s not about performing separate tasks, but about a consistent, integrated life of integrity.
The verse stresses doing righteousness 'at all times.' What does this enduring commitment truly mean for our happiness?
The phrase 'at all times' is crucial. It means our commitment to justice and righteousness isn't conditional. It's not just for Sundays or when things are going well.
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This isn't about achieving perfection, but about a persistent, wholehearted devotion to living righteously, day in and day out. It’s the habitual practice, the tendency of our lives, that marks us as truly blessed.
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.
tub · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'goodness' or 'well-being'; refers to the physical, spiritual, and holistic flourishing of God’s people under His care.
bachir · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those whom God has specifically set apart and called for His own purpose, signifying a special relationship and divine election.
simchah · Hebrew Noun
A deep, expressive joy or exultation, often experienced in community through the awareness of God’s presence and salvation.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
That which is received as a possession; biblically, it refers to the people of Israel as God’s special possession and the object of His covenant interest.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 106:3 by clearly stating what God requires: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him, emphasizing practical righteousness.
Psalm 15:1-5This psalm further defines who is blessed in God's sight, detailing requirements like speaking truth, not slandering, not harming neighbors, and living with integrity, all of which align with observing justice and doing righteousness.
Matthew 5:6Jesus Himself pronounces a blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, connecting the inner desire with the outward pursuit of what is right, mirroring the persistent nature of 'doing righteousness at all times'.
Isaiah 56:1This verse directly commands 'Keep justice, and do righteousness,' framing these actions as essential for experiencing God's salvation, much like Psalm 106:3 highlights their role in attaining blessedness.
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 praise consistent good deeds; it highlights that true blessedness comes from actively "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness" at all times. This means faithfulness isn't just a feeling or an occasional act, but a steady, ongoing posture of integrity towards God and others, even when it's difficult.
The psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, emphasizing His goodness and enduring mercy, even amidst the people's failings. The focus then shifts to what it means to be truly blessed: not just through outward actions, but by consistently living justly and righteously before God and others, reflecting the obedience Israel should have shown. This verse sets the standard for those who can expect God's favor, contrasting with the unfaithfulness that will be detailed later in the psalm.
The psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God, emphasizing His goodness and enduring mercy, even amidst the people's failings. The focus then shifts to what it means to be truly blessed: not just through outward actions, but by consistently living justly and righteously before God and others, reflecting the obedience Israel should have shown. This verse sets the standard for those who can expect God's favor, contrasting with the unfaithfulness that will be detailed later in the psalm.
"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, that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones,…" — The verse doesn't just praise consistent good deeds; it highlights that true blessedness comes from actively "keeping judgment" and "doing righteousness" at all times. This means faithfulness isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026
