Psalms 85:8
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Psalms 85:8
“I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” The speaker commits to listening for God’s voice, trusting that God’s words bring peace. The contrast—peace for the faithful vs. folly for the unfaithful—maps the psalm’s broader arc from confession and petition to hopeful obedience. The call to discern and follow God’s guidance sits within ancient Israel’s practice of prophetic communication and covenant faithfulness. “Peace” in this context implies wholeness, harmony with God, and societal justice aligned with God’s ways. The warning against folly points to ongoing spiritual danger: returning to ways that disrupt peace and destroy trust.
God’s speech is the means of shaping reality—peace follows obedience. The verse affirms the intentionality of divine communication: God actively speaks to his people, guiding them in wisdom. It also anchors peace as a fruit of faithful listening, not merely a feeling. This aligns with the biblical pattern that wisdom and peace come through revelation and adherence to God’s will.
Practice listening for God’s guidance daily. Create a quiet, regular space for reading Scripture and prayer, asking, “What do you want me to hear and do today?” When decisions loom—career, finances, relationships—invite God into the process and seek advice from wise believers. Guard against distractions that lead to folly: pride, self-reliance, or shortcuts. Share the peace you receive with others by choosing reconciliation, generosity, and ethical action.
Cross-References: Psalm 34:14; Isaiah 9:6–7; John 14:27; James 3:17–18