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Psalms 71:24 meaning

Praise God continually that His righteousness never fails.

“My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long; For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.” (v.24) This verse highlights the psalmist’s unwavering desire to proclaim God’s righteousness continually. The speaker—traditionally believed to be David, who reigned as king over Israel from about 1010 to 970 BC—declares that his speech will be devoted to celebrating God’s moral perfection and faithful character, unceasingly reminding himself and others of the Lord’s just ways. By stating that those who sought his harm are ultimately put to shame, the writer points to God’s power to defend and vindicate His faithful ones. Their humiliation underscores the protective nature of God’s righteousness for those who trust in Him, offering hope to all who face opposition or persecution.

The phrase “My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long;” reminds us that worship and praise to God do not have to be confined to a specific time or place. When David proclaims this steadfast commitment, it reflects his life-orientation toward God, even in the face of adversity. This unwavering confidence in God’s righteousness connects with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the perfect embodiment of righteousness and truth (John 14:6). The psalm’s assurance that enemies will be humiliated links well with the promise that God will ultimately judge wickedness, a theme carried forward into the teachings of the early Church that believers can trust God’s final vindication (Romans 12:19).

Moreover, “For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.” captures the reversal of fortune that often marks the narrative of faith. Where once the psalmist may have felt abandoned or threatened, he now experiences rescue and renewal. God’s righteousness aligns with His covenant faithfulness, ensuring that those who attack His devoted ones do not triumph in the end. This message continues to resonate with believers today, who can place their trust in the righteous character of God to shield them and bring shame to spiritual forces that would attempt to harm them (Ephesians 6:11).

Psalms 71:24