Psalm 25:3 - To You I Lift Up My Soul

Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame;
This phrase emphasizes the theme of trust and patience in God's timing. In biblical context, waiting on the Lord is a recurring theme, seen in passages like Isaiah 40:31, which promises renewed strength to those who wait on the Lord. The concept of not being put to shame is tied to the idea of vindication and honor, as seen in Romans 10:11, where Paul assures that those who believe in Christ will not be put to shame. The cultural context of honor and shame in ancient Near Eastern societies underscores the importance of this promise, as shame was a significant social consequence. This phrase also reflects a prophetic assurance of God's faithfulness, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who embodies the perfect trust in the Father.

but those who engage in treachery without cause will be disgraced.
This part of the verse contrasts the fate of the faithful with those who act deceitfully. Treachery, or betrayal, is a serious offense in biblical narratives, often leading to divine judgment, as seen in the stories of Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16) and Absalom (2 Samuel 15). The phrase "without cause" highlights the unjust nature of such actions, aligning with Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists deceit as something the Lord detests. The concept of disgrace here is a reversal of honor, a common theme in wisdom literature, where the wicked ultimately face humiliation. This serves as a moral and spiritual warning, reinforcing the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 25, David was the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a psalmist.

2. Israel
The nation of Israel, God's chosen people, often faced challenges that required them to wait on the Lord for deliverance and guidance.

3. Enemies of Israel
Throughout history, Israel faced numerous adversaries who opposed them and their faith in God.

Teaching Points

The Assurance of Waiting on God
Waiting on God is an act of faith and trust. It assures us that we will not be put to shame because God is faithful to His promises.

The Consequences of Faithlessness
Being faithless, especially without cause, leads to disgrace. This highlights the importance of maintaining faith even when circumstances are challenging.

The Role of Patience in Faith
Patience is a virtue that is cultivated through waiting on the Lord. It strengthens our faith and character, aligning us with God's timing and purposes.

Trust in God's Justice
God is just and will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite opposition or delay.

Encouragement in Trials
During trials, believers can find encouragement in the promise that waiting on God will not lead to shame, but rather to His perfect plan and timing.

(3) Wait on thee.--More literally, as in LXX., wait for thee, with idea of strong endurance. The root means to make strong by twisting. (Comp. Psalm 25:5; Psalm 25:21, where the same word occurs, though in a different conjugation.) The Vulgate has qui sustinent te, "who maintain thee," i.e., as their God. The Authorised Version is in error in following the imperative of the LXX. in this verse. It should run, none that wait for thee shall be ashamed.

Transgress without cause.--Better, practise treachery in vain. The Hebrew word is translated dealt treacherously, Judges 9:23.

Without cause.--Literally, empty.

Verse 3. - Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed. The prayer passes from the particular to the universal. What David desires for himself he desires also for all the true servants of God - all who wait on him, look to him, seek for indications of his will (comp. Psalm 123:2). Let them he ashamed which transgress without cause. Let shame be the portion, not of thy servants, but of thy adversaries - of those who transgress (or rebel) without reasonable cause. Such persons deserve to be brought to shame. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Surely
גַּ֣ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

none
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

who wait for You
קֹ֭וֶיךָ (qō·we·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6960: To bind together, collect, to expect

will be put to shame;
יֵבֹ֑שׁוּ (yê·ḇō·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

[but] those who are faithless
הַבּוֹגְדִ֥ים (hab·bō·wḡ·ḏîm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 898: To cover, to act covertly, to pillage

without cause
רֵיקָֽם׃ (rê·qām)
Adverb
Strong's 7387: Emptily, ineffectually, undeservedly

will be disgraced.
יֵ֝בֹ֗שׁוּ (yê·ḇō·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

Links

Psalm 25:3 NIV
Psalm 25:3 NLT
Psalm 25:3 ESV
Psalm 25:3 NASB
Psalm 25:3 KJVPsalm 25:3 BibleApps.com
Psalm 25:3 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 25:3 Chinese Bible
Psalm 25:3 French Bible
Psalm 25:3 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 25:3 Yes no one who waits for you (Psalm Ps Psa.)