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I. THE PERSONS SPOKEN OF. The "righteous" are those who have "clean hands." The former term describes their state, the latter their character. Righteous is a forensic term. There can only be two ways of being righteous — either by never having sinned, or by being delivered, in some way or other, from the condemnation due to sin. The former applies to the angels. For fallen man another kind of righteousness must be devised, which is, the imputation of Christ's righteousness unto him.

II. WHAT IS SAID CONCERNING THEM? "Shall hold on his way." They are going onward in the way to heaven; in this way they meet many obstacles — as from false brethren, false teachers, false waymarks. There are obstacles both in the way of faith and of conduct. Nevertheless, they shall "hold on their way." This must necessarily follow.

1. From a consideration of the character of God. He is faithful and immutable.

2. From a consideration of the death of Christ. He died for us, not leaving it doubtful what effects would be produced by His death.

3. From a consideration of the nature and constitution of the covenant of grace. It is God's will that saints should have strong consolation, upon the ground of their final perseverance.

4. From a consideration of the nature of real conversion, and the work of God the Holy Spirit.

5. From a consideration of the intercession of Christ, which must be ever prevalent.

6. From a consideration of the nature of that principle which is implanted within them. It is an immortal principle; an "incorruptible seed."

(John Davies.)

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KJV: The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

WEB: Yet shall the righteous hold on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.