What actions align us with the "righteous" in Psalm 34:15? Setting the Scene Psalm 34:15 tells us, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.” The verse assumes a certain kind of person—the “righteous.” The rest of the psalm, especially vv. 11-14, shows the habits that place us in that company. Core Habits from the Immediate Context Psalm 34:13-14 spells out four clear, actionable steps: • “Keep your tongue from evil” • “and your lips from deceitful speech.” • “Turn away from evil and do good;” • “seek peace and pursue it.” Taken together, these form a concise portrait of the righteous life: 1. Guarding our words 2. Refusing deception 3. Rejecting evil while actively doing good 4. Becoming peace-seekers and peace-pursuers Digging Deeper into Each Action • Guard Your Words – Proverbs 21:23: “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble.” – James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” By refusing gossip, slander, or rash speech, we align with God’s listening ear. • Reject Deception – Colossians 3:9: “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” God’s ears favor truthful hearts; dishonesty blocks fellowship with Him. • Turn from Evil, Do Good – Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This is an intentional pivot: it is not enough to avoid sin; we must practice righteousness. • Seek and Pursue Peace – Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Peace is not passive; it’s chased after, even when it costs us. Additional Traits Highlighted in Psalm 34 • Fear of the LORD (v. 9, 11) – Proverbs 9:10 reinforces that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Reverence for God shapes every other action. • Humility and Brokenness (v. 18) – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the crushed in spirit.” Dependence on God keeps pride at bay. • Continual Praise (v. 1) – A grateful, God-focused heart recalibrates our motives and desires (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Putting It All Together A life that: • Reveres God • Speaks truth • Turns from evil • Does good • Pursues peace • Remains humble and thankful …is the life God watches with favor and hears with compassion. Walk in these simple yet powerful actions, and you stand among “the righteous” whose cries reach the attentive ear of the Lord. |
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