My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

PSALMS 71:24KJV
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Psalms 71:24 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:24 mean?

Psalms 71:24 describes the psalmist’s commitment to speak about God’s righteousness all day long, because those who tried to harm him have ended up confused and ashamed. The verse shows a contrast between the psalmist’s praise and the defeat of his enemies.

The speaker is an older person, likely David, reflecting on a lifetime of trusting God. He promises to keep talking about God’s righteousness (God’s just and faithful character) because those who wanted to hurt him have failed. This verse wraps up a prayer for help by focusing on praise and the reversal of fortunes for those who opposed the psalmist.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:24

  • "Tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon) refers to speech or language, emphasizing the psalmist’s active role in declaring God’s character.
  • "Talk" (הָגָה, hagah) often means to meditate or mutter, suggesting the psalmist is not just speaking once but continually reflecting on and speaking about God’s righteousness.
  • "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) points to God’s justice, faithfulness, and moral uprightness, which is the main subject of the psalmist’s praise.
  • "Confounded" (בּוּשׁ, bosh) and "shame" (חָפֵר, chapher) both describe deep embarrassment or disgrace, highlighting the complete reversal experienced by those who sought the psalmist’s harm.

Why Psalms 71:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the psalmist’s praise is not just a private feeling but something spoken out loud, even when facing opposition.
  • The focus on God’s righteousness as the main topic of speech shows what the psalmist values most in his relationship with God.
  • The verse connects the psalmist’s personal deliverance to a public declaration, tying together prayer, praise, and the visible outcome of God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“shame” Hebrew H2659 · used in 17 verses

  • Job 6:20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
  • Psalms 70:2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
  • Isaiah 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

“talk” Hebrew H1897 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
  • Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
  • Isaiah 16:7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.

“confounded” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

“tongue” Hebrew H3956 · used in 115 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
  • Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.