“Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”– Psalms 85:13 (KJV)
“Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven.”– Psalms 85:13 (NLT)
“Righteousness and peace kiss each other.”– Psalms 85:13 (MSG)
What Does Psalms 85:13 Mean?
Psalms 85:13 carries a profound message about the relationship between righteousness and the path that we walk. The verse states that righteousness goes before God. This powerful figure of speech helps us visualize how righteousness is not just an attribute of God; it is also a guide that leads us along our way. In our lives, we may often question which direction to take or how we should behave in different situations. By acknowledging that righteousness leads us, we can take comfort in the fact that God’s guidance is always with us.
Everything that God is, and everything He does, aligns with righteousness. This verse illustrates that righteousness is something that should set up the stage for us. Just like a path is established for travelers, righteousness lays out the way for us. When we allow righteousness to guide our decisions and actions, we begin to align ourselves with God’s will. And when we do this, we can expect to find peace and goodness along the way.
Psalms 85:13 Explanation and Commentary
When we reflect deeper on Psalms 85:13, we realize that it speaks to the nurturing nature of righteousness. It is not just a static quality but something living and dynamic. When we think of righteousness going before us, it’s like having a protective barrier that keeps us safe from paths leading to wrong choices or trouble. In our day-to-day lives, we face numerous temptations that could lead us astray, but righteousness can act as our compass.
In the Bible, righteousness is often associated with God’s laws and commandments. For instance, we learn from Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” This longing for righteousness directs us toward a goal—an aspiration to live life in a way that pleases God and benefits those around us. When we seek after righteousness, we are seeking to know God’s heart more. God desires a relationship with us, and often, righteousness serves as the bridge that connects us with Him.
As we continue to unpack this verse, we realize it’s also about God’s faithfulness. When we think of God setting us on the path of righteousness, we are reminded of His steadfast love. In our lives, it can be easy to feel lost. But we can always come back to God, who offers clarity. He will set our feet where they should go. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are encouraged: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your