May integrity and uprightness preserve me
Integrity and uprightness are central themes throughout the Bible, often associated with the character of God and the expected conduct of His followers. In the Old Testament, integrity is linked to the Hebrew word "tom," which implies completeness or wholeness. Uprightness, from the Hebrew "yosher," suggests moral rectitude and honesty. These qualities are seen as protective, akin to a shield, as they align the believer with God's will and character. In Proverbs 11:3, integrity is described as guiding the upright, while the treacherous are destroyed by their duplicity. The psalmist's plea for preservation through these virtues reflects a deep trust in God's moral order and a desire to live in accordance with His statutes. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized purity of heart and righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:8).

because I wait for You
Waiting on the Lord is a recurring theme in the Psalms and throughout Scripture, signifying trust, patience, and hope in God's timing and provision. The Hebrew word "qavah" used here conveys a sense of eager expectation and confident hope. This waiting is not passive but active, involving prayer, obedience, and faithfulness. In Isaiah 40:31, those who wait on the Lord are promised renewed strength, likened to soaring on wings like eagles. The psalmist's declaration of waiting underscores a reliance on God's faithfulness and timing, contrasting with the impatience and self-reliance often seen in human nature. This anticipates the New Testament call to perseverance and faith, as seen in Romans 8:25, where believers are encouraged to wait patiently for what they do not yet see. The concept of waiting also points to the ultimate hope in Christ's return, where believers are called to remain steadfast and watchful.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 25, David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God, his role as the second king of Israel, and his authorship of many psalms.

2. God
The psalm is a prayer directed to God, emphasizing trust and reliance on His guidance and protection.

3. Israel
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm reflects the broader themes of Israel's reliance on God for guidance and deliverance.Integrity as a Shield
Integrity is not just a moral quality but a protective force that preserves us in our walk with God. It acts as a shield against the temptations and trials of life.

Uprightness in Action
Uprightness involves living in accordance with God's standards. It is an active pursuit of righteousness that aligns our actions with our faith.

The Power of Waiting on God
Waiting on God is an expression of trust and patience. It involves a confident expectation that God will act in His perfect timing.

Preservation through Faithfulness
Our faithfulness to God, demonstrated through integrity and uprightness, ensures His preservation and guidance in our lives.

The Role of Prayer in Integrity
Prayer is essential in maintaining integrity and uprightness. It keeps us connected to God and aligned with His will.Verse 21. - Let integrity and uprightness preserve me. Scarcely his own inherent integrity and uprightness, the want of which he has deplored when confessing that his iniquity is great (ver. 11). Rather an integrity and uprightness whereto he hopes to attain, by the grace of God, in days to come - an integrity and uprightness for which he "waits" For I wait on thee.

Parallel Commentaries ...


May integrity
תֹּם־ (tōm-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8537: Completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate

and uprightness
וָיֹ֥שֶׁר (wā·yō·šer)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3476: Straightness, uprightness

preserve me,
יִצְּר֑וּנִי (yiṣ·ṣə·rū·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5341: To watch, guard, keep

because
כִּ֝֗י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I wait for You.
קִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃ (qiw·wî·ṯî·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6960: To bind together, collect, to expect


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OT Poetry: Psalm 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me (Psalm Ps Psa.)