Psalm 145:17

The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.

Study Bible

The LORD
The term "LORD" in this context is derived from the Hebrew "YHWH," often vocalized as Yahweh. This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. It is a reminder of God's unchanging character and His faithfulness to His promises. In the conservative Christian perspective, this name signifies God's sovereignty and His intimate relationship with His people, as He is the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt and who fulfills His promises through Jesus Christ.

is righteous
The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "tsaddiq," which conveys the idea of being just, lawful, and morally right. This righteousness is intrinsic to God's nature, meaning He is the ultimate standard of what is right and just. In a world where human justice can be flawed, God's righteousness assures believers that He governs the universe with perfect justice. This righteousness is also reflected in His dealings with humanity, offering a model for believers to emulate in their own lives.

in all His ways
The phrase "in all His ways" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's righteousness. Every action, decision, and plan of God is marked by His righteous character. This is a comforting truth for believers, as it assures them that God's governance of the world and their personal lives is always aligned with His perfect justice and moral integrity. It encourages trust in God's providence, even when circumstances are difficult to understand.

and kind
The word "kind" is translated from the Hebrew "chasid," which is often associated with mercy, lovingkindness, and steadfast love. This attribute of God highlights His benevolence and compassion towards His creation. In the conservative Christian view, God's kindness is most profoundly demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity. It is a call for believers to reflect God's kindness in their interactions with others, embodying the love and mercy they have received.

in all His deeds
This phrase emphasizes that God's kindness is evident in every action He takes. From the creation of the world to the daily sustenance of life, God's deeds are marked by His lovingkindness. Historically, this has been seen in His covenantal faithfulness to Israel and, scripturally, in the redemptive work of Christ. For believers, this is a source of hope and assurance, knowing that God's actions are always motivated by His love and desire for the well-being of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, representing the God of Israel, who is characterized by righteousness and kindness.

2. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 145, a king of Israel known for his deep relationship with God and his poetic contributions to the Psalms.

3. Israel
The nation to whom the Psalms were originally given, serving as the context for understanding God's righteousness and kindness.

4. The Psalmist's Audience
The people of God, both in ancient times and today, who are encouraged to reflect on God's character.

5. The Deeds of the LORD
Refers to God's actions throughout history, as recounted in the Bible, demonstrating His righteousness and kindness.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Righteousness
God's righteousness is inherent in His nature, meaning He always acts in accordance with what is right and just.

Believers are called to trust in God's righteous ways, even when circumstances are challenging or unclear.

Experiencing God's Kindness
God's kindness is evident in His deeds, which are motivated by love and compassion for His creation.

Christians are encouraged to reflect God's kindness in their interactions with others, serving as a testament to His character.

Living in Response to God's Character
As followers of Christ, we are to emulate God's righteousness and kindness in our daily lives.

This involves making ethical decisions, showing mercy, and extending grace to others, as God has done for us.

The Assurance of God's Consistent Character
God's character does not change; He is consistently righteous and kind, providing a firm foundation for our faith.

This assurance allows believers to approach God with confidence, knowing He is just and merciful.

Reflecting on God's Deeds
Regularly recounting and meditating on God's deeds helps believers to remain grounded in His truth and character.

This practice strengthens faith and encourages a deeper relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's righteousness influence your daily decision-making and ethical choices?

2. In what ways have you experienced God's kindness in your life, and how can you share that kindness with others?

3. How can reflecting on God's deeds throughout history strengthen your faith and trust in Him?

4. What are some practical ways you can emulate God's righteousness and kindness in your community?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Micah 6:8 and Romans 11:22, enhance your understanding of God's character as described in Psalm 145:17?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 33:4-5
This passage also highlights God's righteousness and faithfulness, emphasizing His love for justice and the earth being full of His unfailing love.

Deuteronomy 32:4
Describes God as the Rock, whose works are perfect and all His ways are just, reinforcing the theme of divine righteousness.

James 1:17
Speaks of every good and perfect gift coming from above, aligning with the idea of God's kindness in His deeds.

Micah 6:8
Calls believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, reflecting His righteous and kind nature.

Romans 11:22
Encourages believers to consider both the kindness and severity of God, providing a balanced view of His character.