Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Psalms 86:5 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, who asks for God's protection and guidance. In this verse, David confesses what he knows about the Lord: He is good, ready to forgive, and rich in mercy toward all who call on Him. David's confidence rests not on his own worth but on God's character.

Meaning

David first calls the Lord "good." God's goodness means His moral perfection, righteousness, and kindness. He is good in Himself and good to His people. This goodness is not occasional but part of who He is.

Second, God is "ready to forgive." This means forgiveness is not difficult for Him. He does not pardon reluctantly; He is willing and eager to forgive those who repent and turn to Him. His patience and compassion make grace available to every sincere seeker.

Third, God is "plenteous in mercy." His mercy is not scarce or limited. It overflows like a full cup. This steadfast love and compassion reach all who humbly call on Him, whatever their past failures may be.

The verse ends with a wide promise: mercy is for "all them that call upon thee." No group is excluded. The only condition is calling on the Lord, which means turning to Him in faith and dependence. This call is open to everyone.

Spiritual Insight

David's prayer moves from his own need to the character of the One he prays to. He does not first list his problems and then hope God is willing to help; he first declares what he knows to be true of God, and that declaration becomes the foundation for his requests. Because the Lord is good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy, David's cry is not a desperate gamble but a confident appeal. The same order applies to prayer today: the certainty of who God is, not the depth of our distress, is what gives us boldness to call upon Him.

Biblical connections

Jesus Himself confirms God's goodness in Matthew 19:17, saying that only God is good. This verse in Psalm 86 already shows the same truth long before. The Old Testament presents God as eager to pardon, and the New Testament reveals that forgiveness comes fully through Christ. Both testaments agree on God's merciful nature.

Application

This verse gives believers strong reasons to pray with confidence. Because God is good, we can trust His plans. Because He is ready to forgive, we can confess our sins without fear. Because His mercy is abundant, we can come to Him even when we feel unworthy. No sin is too great for His pardon.

Reflection

When you call on the Lord, you are not approaching a distant judge but a loving Father who delights in showing mercy. His goodness, forgiveness, and abundant love are always available to you. Let this truth quiet your heart and strengthen your faith today.