Breaking Down Psalm 89:14-16 in Everyday Language
Foundations of True Righteousness
Psalm 89:14-16 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” In simpler terms, God’s rule is built on doing what’s right and fair. Love and loyalty are always existing wherever God goes. True righteousness isn’t about acting like you’re better than others. It’s about living in a way that matches God’s standards for fairness, love, and honesty.
Looking at Ourselves: Are We Truly Righteous?
It’s important to ask ourselves if our actions and attitudes really show what God wants. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if we’re just trying to be “right,” truly “righteous,” or falling into being “self-righteous.” This confusion can come from our own pride, intentions, or sense of responsibility. Taking a moment to think about which path we’re on can help us grow.
Being “Right” vs. Being “Righteous”
Wanting to be “right” usually means wanting to prove a point. It often involves showing that our opinion is correct. This can happen even if it hurts relationships or ignores deeper truths. On the other hand, being “righteous” is about something deeper. It’s about living with honesty, fairness, and kindness, as Psalm 89 describes. Righteousness is about staying humble and wanting to do what God wants, not just what makes us look good. People who walk in God’s light are joyful—not because they think they’re perfect, but because they’re close to God.
The Trap of Self-Righteousness
Self-righteousness is when someone acts like they’re morally superior, judging others and putting themselves above everyone else. Unlike true righteousness, this attitude creates division instead of connection. Psalm 89 doesn’t directly talk about self-righteousness, but it does praise those who follow God’s light, not their own. Self-righteousness blocks out God’s light and replaces it with pride. Remember, our strength comes from God, not from believing we’re better than others.
Walking in God’s Light: What Does It Look Like?
To “walk in the light of God’s presence” means letting God’s sense of fairness and love guide us every day. It’s about celebrating who God is and trusting Him to help us become better. In real life, this means being kind, forgiving, and humble. It means listening more than talking, choosing peace over arguments, and admitting our mistakes. Most importantly, it’s about leaning on God’s grace instead of trying to be perfect on our own.
A Simple Prayer for Guidance
Here’s a prayer you can use as you think about these ideas:
“Lord, help us walk in Your righteousness, not just try to be right or act self-righteous. Plant Your love and fairness in our hearts and guide us to live in Your light. Let our lives show Your presence, and help us celebrate Your name every day. Lift us up by Your favor, not by our own efforts, and let Your glory shine in all we do. Amen.”
Final Thoughts
Today’s message is that righteousness isn’t about being perfect or putting ourselves above others. It’s about matching our hearts and actions to God’s standards of fairness, love, and honesty. Psalm 89 shows that righteousness is both a gift and a responsibility. It is a way to live in God’s light. It is also a way to celebrate His presence. Let’s aim to be truly righteous, not just right, and avoid falling into self-righteousness. Let’s praise God for His works. Let’s show Him respect when we worship. Remember that His power and mercy give us true joy and security. When we trust in God’s mercy, we can rejoice in His name. Everything He does is guided by truth and kindness.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 