(This verse reminds us that righteous hearts rejoice in God’s faithfulness, while stubborn pride has nothing to say before His mighty works.)
When “The upright see it and are glad; But all unrighteousness shuts its mouth” (v.42), the psalmist portrays a striking contrast between two groups of people observing God’s redemptive works. Earlier in Psalm 107, these works include His deliverance from various distresses and His steadfast love toward those who call upon Him. The “upright” are those who accept the LORD’s guidance and mercy, standing in awe of how He intervenes to save His people. In their humility, they rejoice in what He accomplishes, praising His name and finding hope in His goodness. Meanwhile, those who choose to live in opposition to His ways—described here as “all unrighteousness”—are silenced when confronted with the reality of His power and compassion. They have no valid claim to argue against what the LORD has done.
Throughout Psalm 107, an ongoing refrain urges God’s people to see His intervention in moments of crisis and respond with gratitude. This idea is captured earlier in the psalm: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good… Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:1-2). Here in verse 42, the joyful response of the righteous to God’s deliverance reminds readers that the proper posture before the holy and sovereign Creator is one of praise and thanksgiving. Such a posture aligns with the numerous biblical admonitions to worship the LORD for His faithful and rescuing hand. Where righteousness leads to gladness and worship, unrighteousness knows only speechless astonishment in the face of His works.
In a broader spiritual context, this verse resonates with the New Testament message that the righteous—those who trust in God—continue to celebrate His grace, while those who remain hardened in unbelief find all their objections hushed when confronted by the reality of divine love and judgment (Romans 3:19). It also echoes Jesus’ invitation to know Him as the source of rest for weary souls (Matthew 11:28-29). Receiving God’s help humbles the heart and cultivates rejoicing, but resisting Him ends in silence and loss.
God’s deliverance stirs deep joy among the faithful, and it stills every accusation of evil.
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Psalms 107:42 meaning
When “The upright see it and are glad; But all unrighteousness shuts its mouth” (v.42), the psalmist portrays a striking contrast between two groups of people observing God’s redemptive works. Earlier in Psalm 107, these works include His deliverance from various distresses and His steadfast love toward those who call upon Him. The “upright” are those who accept the LORD’s guidance and mercy, standing in awe of how He intervenes to save His people. In their humility, they rejoice in what He accomplishes, praising His name and finding hope in His goodness. Meanwhile, those who choose to live in opposition to His ways—described here as “all unrighteousness”—are silenced when confronted with the reality of His power and compassion. They have no valid claim to argue against what the LORD has done.
Throughout Psalm 107, an ongoing refrain urges God’s people to see His intervention in moments of crisis and respond with gratitude. This idea is captured earlier in the psalm: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good… Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:1-2). Here in verse 42, the joyful response of the righteous to God’s deliverance reminds readers that the proper posture before the holy and sovereign Creator is one of praise and thanksgiving. Such a posture aligns with the numerous biblical admonitions to worship the LORD for His faithful and rescuing hand. Where righteousness leads to gladness and worship, unrighteousness knows only speechless astonishment in the face of His works.
In a broader spiritual context, this verse resonates with the New Testament message that the righteous—those who trust in God—continue to celebrate His grace, while those who remain hardened in unbelief find all their objections hushed when confronted by the reality of divine love and judgment (Romans 3:19). It also echoes Jesus’ invitation to know Him as the source of rest for weary souls (Matthew 11:28-29). Receiving God’s help humbles the heart and cultivates rejoicing, but resisting Him ends in silence and loss.
God’s deliverance stirs deep joy among the faithful, and it stills every accusation of evil.