God’s steadfast loyal love upholds those who remain close to Him.
When the psalmist pleads, “O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, And Your righteousness to the upright in heart” (v.10), he is calling upon the LORD’s faithful covenant love to remain constant. The Hebrew term for “lovingkindness” speaks of God’s loyal, unfailing devotion, and David—who is traditionally credited with writing many of the Psalms and is estimated to have lived from around 1040 to 970 BC—prays for those who truly know and honor God to continually experience this steadfast mercy. This request reflects deep trust in God’s consistent protection and generosity toward His people and highlights David’s earnest desire that the Lord’s righteous nature be evident among the faithful.
This verse also points to the importance of the “upright in heart.” David’s plea that God’s righteousness be shown to them underscores the biblical principle of moral integrity, which stands in line with God’s own nature. Jesus later brings this concept to fulfillment when He teaches that those who follow Him must love God wholeheartedly and reflect His righteousness (Matthew 5:6). In Psalm 36:10, David’s prayer weaves together personal reliance on God’s loyalty and the collective hope that the LORD’s justice will guide and sustain His covenant people.
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Psalms 36:10 meaning
When the psalmist pleads, “O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, And Your righteousness to the upright in heart” (v.10), he is calling upon the LORD’s faithful covenant love to remain constant. The Hebrew term for “lovingkindness” speaks of God’s loyal, unfailing devotion, and David—who is traditionally credited with writing many of the Psalms and is estimated to have lived from around 1040 to 970 BC—prays for those who truly know and honor God to continually experience this steadfast mercy. This request reflects deep trust in God’s consistent protection and generosity toward His people and highlights David’s earnest desire that the Lord’s righteous nature be evident among the faithful.
This verse also points to the importance of the “upright in heart.” David’s plea that God’s righteousness be shown to them underscores the biblical principle of moral integrity, which stands in line with God’s own nature. Jesus later brings this concept to fulfillment when He teaches that those who follow Him must love God wholeheartedly and reflect His righteousness (Matthew 5:6). In Psalm 36:10, David’s prayer weaves together personal reliance on God’s loyalty and the collective hope that the LORD’s justice will guide and sustain His covenant people.