Psalms 85:13
Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Main message
Psalm 85:13: Righteousness goes before God and prepares the way for his steps.
Meaning in context
Psalm 85:10–13 · Love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace — The closing vision joins covenant love, faithfulness, righteousness, peace, fruitfulness, and God's guiding presence.
The psalm closes with righteousness personified as going ahead of God. Restoration is therefore not merely emotional relief or material abundance; it is ordered by righteousness.
Further teachings
Righteousness marks God's way
The final image places righteousness at the front of the restored order.
Cross References: Psalm 85:13.
Applications in daily life
- 1
Choosing a path forward
Treat justice and integrity as essential to genuine restoration.
Do not call a path peaceful or blessed if it requires abandoning righteousness.
Related Bible passages and resources
Common misreadings
Restoration can be separated from righteousness.
The psalm ends by placing righteousness directly before God's path.
How to Apply Psalms 85:13
Meditate on Psalms 85:13 by reading it aloud each morning this week. Ask yourself how its message from Scripture applies to a current challenge you are facing. Write one specific step you will take today in response to its truth — and revisit that commitment at the end of the week.
Sources & Method
Biblical text
Psalm 85 (en).
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Reviewed on: