What is the meaning of Psalm 71:24? My tongue - The psalmist starts with something as ordinary as a tongue, reminding us that God delights to use the simple parts of our lives for His glory (James 3:9–10 shows both blessing and cursing can flow from the tongue; here only blessing is chosen). - By choosing to speak, not merely think, he takes a public stand like David in Psalm 35:28: “Then my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness and Your praises all day long.” - Our own tongues become instruments of testimony when surrendered to the Lord (Psalm 51:15). will indeed proclaim Your righteousness - “Will indeed” signals a settled decision, not a fleeting mood. The psalmist mirrors Psalm 40:10: “I have not concealed Your righteousness within my heart; I have proclaimed Your faithfulness and salvation.” - God’s righteousness is His moral perfection on display—seen supremely at the cross where “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21). - Proclaiming righteousness aligns us with the gospel itself, for in it “the righteousness of God is revealed” (Romans 1:17). all day long - Praise is not squeezed into a religious slot; it saturates the schedule. Psalm 34:1 echoes, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” - From sunrise to sunset “the name of the LORD is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3). - Continual praise re-calibrates our hearts, keeping anxiety at bay (Philippians 4:6 links prayer and thanksgiving with peace). for those who seek my harm are disgraced and confounded - The psalmist’s confidence is not in personal strength but in God’s justice. Earlier he prayed, “May my accusers be put to shame and consumed” (Psalm 71:13). Verse 24 affirms that request is already being answered. - Scripture often pairs praise with the downfall of the wicked: “May those who seek my life be disgraced and confounded” (Psalm 35:4). - God’s vindication is two-fold: His people are upheld, and His enemies are exposed (Psalm 25:3 assures, “No one who waits for You will be put to shame”). - This outcome encourages bold witness; opposition cannot silence a believer whose assurance rests in the Lord. summary Psalm 71:24 paints a life of nonstop, vocal celebration of God’s flawless character. The psalmist chooses to let his tongue be a loudspeaker for divine righteousness, morning to night. Because God confounds those plotting evil, the believer is free from fear and full of praise. Our calling is the same: keep speaking of His righteousness, trust Him to handle our adversaries, and let worship frame every hour. |