Psalms 35:28

“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.”

Context:Psalm 35 is attributed to King David and is considered a psalm of lament or complaint. In this psalm, David expresses his distress and pleads for God’s intervention against his enemies. He seeks God’s vindication and asks for deliverance from those who unjustly oppose him.

“And my tongue shall speak”:David is resolved to use his tongue, his speech, to proclaim something specific.

“Thy righteousness”:David acknowledges God’s righteousness, which refers to His perfect justice, moral integrity, and faithfulness. It emphasises God’s consistent adherence to His moral standard and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

“And of thy praise”:David’s intention is not only to speak of God’s righteousness but also to express his praise and admiration for God. This emphasises his desire to give glory to God for His righteous acts.

“All the day long”:David commits to continuously speaking of God’s righteousness and praising Him throughout the day. This shows his determination to keep his focus on God and to continually acknowledge His righteous character.

Key Themes and Lessons:

a. Gratitude and Worship: David’s commitment to speaking of God’s righteousness and praising Him reflects his deep gratitude and reverence for God. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating a heart of worship and expressing our gratitude to God for His character and actions.

b. God’s Righteousness: David’s emphasis on God’s righteousness highlights the trustworthiness and moral perfection of God. It serves as a reminder that we can rely on God’s justice and righteousness, even in difficult situations, and that we should acknowledge and celebrate His righteousness.

c. Continuous Praise: David’s resolve to speak of God’s righteousness and praise Him all day long emphasises the importance of consistent praise and worship. It encourages us to make praise a constant part of our lives, recognising and celebrating God’s attributes and the blessings He bestows.

d. A Model for Believers: David’s example in this verse can inspire us to be intentional about our speech and prioritise speaking of God’s righteousness and offering praise. It reminds us to align our words with God’s truth and to use our tongues to edify, encourage, and bring glory to God.

Application:

• Develop a habit of praise:Make a conscious effort to incorporate praise and worship into your daily routine. Set aside time to acknowledge God’s righteousness and offer Him praise throughout the day.
• Guard your speech:Be mindful of the words you speak and ensure that they align with God’s truth. Use your tongue to speak of God’s righteousness, to share His goodness, and to encourage others.
• Express gratitude:Cultivate a heart of gratitude and express your thankfulness to God. Recognise His righteousness in your life, and intentionally acknowledge His faithfulness and provision.
• Seek God’s righteousness:Study and meditate on God’s Word to understand His righteous ways. Strive to align your life with His standards and seek His righteousness in all that you do.

Remember, Psalm 35:28 challenges us to speak of God’s righteousness and praise Him continually. By doing so, we honour God, strengthen our relationship with Him, and inspire others to do the same.