Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.

PSALMS 125:4KJV
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Psalms 125:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 125:4 mean?

Psalms 125:4 is a prayer asking the LORD to show kindness and favor to people who are good and whose hearts are honest and upright. The verse highlights a desire for God to reward those who live with integrity and goodness.

The speaker is addressing God directly, likely on behalf of the community of Israel. The situation is one of seeking God’s blessing for those who genuinely try to do what is right, not just outwardly but from the heart. This verse fits into a psalm that talks about trust in God and the security of those who rely on Him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 125:4

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct and covenant relationship between God and His people.
  • good (טוֹב, tov): This word means “good” in a broad sense—morally good, beneficial, or pleasing. Here, it refers to people who are genuinely trying to live rightly.
  • upright (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means “straight” or “upright,” often describing someone whose actions and intentions are honest and straightforward.
  • hearts (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the “heart” is not just feelings but the center of thought, will, and character. Being “upright in heart” means having inner integrity, not just outward behavior.

Why Psalms 125:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s favor is not just for those who appear good on the outside, but for those whose goodness comes from a sincere and upright heart.
  • It connects to the wider psalm’s theme of security and blessing for those who trust in God, showing that inner character is what truly matters to God.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that ritual or outward actions alone are enough; instead, it points to the importance of genuine inner goodness and honesty.

Where else these words appear

“hearts” Hebrew H3826 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
  • Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

“good” Hebrew H2895 · used in 33 verses

  • Numbers 10:29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
  • Esther 7:3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:

“upright” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.