Psalms 111:7

Psalms 111:7

Psalm 111 sits within a group of acrostic psalms (like Psalm 112) that celebrate God’s covenant faithfulness and the steadfastness of his character. Psalm 111, in particular, proclaims God’s wondrous works, justice, and the reliability of his covenant. Verse 7 foregrounds two dimensions of God’s action: “verity” (truthfulness) and “judgment.” The Hebrew word for truth connotes faithfulness, reliability, and constancy—what God has spoken, he will perform. Judgment here is not only punitive; it is a divine order aligning the world according to righteousness. The line “The works of his hands are verity and judgment” situates God’s creative activity, laws, and decrees as trustworthy and morally serious. Commands are not arbitrary; they reflect God’s nature and produce ethical order in creation.

Culturally, ancient readers would hear that rulers’ decrees reveal the ruler’s character. Gods in surrounding cultures often relied on capricious power; in Israel, the emphasis is on a righteous ruler whose deeds and decrees reveal integrity. The psalmist is reminding the people that God’s acts—creation, provision, and law—are a coherent moral system. The “works” include acts of provision, mercy, and judgment that sustain a community under God’s sovereignty.

This verse anchors two essential biblical themes: God’s faithfulness and divine judgment. Verity emphasizes that God’s promises and works do not fail; he is trustworthy. Judgment is not mere punishment but the righteous enforcement of God’s order, ensuring justice prevails and wrongs are addressed. The pairing signals a comprehensive portrait of God: he is both loving provider and righteous judge. For believers, this invites confidence: the God who set the stars in place and gave the commandments is the same God who will adjudicate human affairs with integrity. It also guards against moral relativism—what God declares as true and right stands forever.

This verse challenges us to view life through the lens of God’s trustworthy acts and judgments. In practical terms, when facing decisions, we can ask: Do my choices align with God’s revealed truth? Do I trust God’s timing in corrective situations, knowing his judgments aim to restore justice and flourishing? The verse invites gratitude for God’s orderly world: his “works” reveal his character—creativity, mercy, justice. In community life, believers can model integrity, knowing God’s standards are reliable. For instance, in business or work, fairness and accountability should mirror God’s judgments; truth-telling and reliability become practical markers of a life aligned with God’s verity. When confronting injustice or broken systems, remember that God’s judgment is real and purposeful—our role is to advocate for what is true and right, embodying his trustworthy nature in daily actions.

Cross-References: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 19:7-9; Psalm 33:4-5; Isaiah 46:9-10; Hebrews 6:18