Psalm Project

Psalm 28

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“Pay them according to their deeds.” (28:4)

Reward and punishment do not always work out perfectly. Sometimes, good people do not prosper and evil people do not suffer. However, most of the time, in the long run, goodness is recognized. People are attracted to good people. They will have better and deeper friendships. Good people will tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives. Truly good people do not do good things because of recognition or reward. Goodness is not a tool to be used as a means to get something. Good deeds are an end unto themselves.

Psalm 27

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“Lead me on a level path.” (27:11)

The middah, or character trait, of hishtavut, equanimity, suggest that one ought to live one’s life on an even keel. Bad things will happen, but most of them are not worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy. Yes, it is inconvenient when your car won’t start, gets a flat tire, or breaks down. Yes, it is upsetting when someone is rude to you at work, at the gym, or at the supermarket. But you have a choice. You can carry around your anger and let it affect your future interactions, or you can shrug off the anger, keep on the level path, and leave the upset behind, allowing you to continue to embrace the world cheerfully.

Psalm 26

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“I walk about in your faithfulness.” (26:3)

Trust is what allows society to function effectively. Retail stores, religious institutions, and places of entertainment may take precautions against miscreants, but for the most part they trust that people will follow the rules and not be destructive. A goal of terrorism is to undermine a society by making us afraid to shop or assemble in places of entertainment or worship. Terror destroys trust in our fellow human beings. “Innocent until proven guilty” is replaced by deep suspicion and mistrust. Rather than seeing a potential enemy in every encounter, let us see a human being created in the image of God.

Psalm 25

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“May integrity and uprightness watch over me” (25:21)

We need that little voice to whisper in our ear when we are tempted to stray from the path of goodness and righteousness. When no one is watching, it is easy to talk ourselves into taking shortcuts, eating unwisely, and letting loose our selfish inclinations. We need to listen to the still, small, voice of our conscience telling us that even if no one else knows, we know whether we live with integrity or not. And when we succumb and habituate ourselves to giving in to evil in private, it will infect our public lives as well.

Psalm 24

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“The earth is Adonai’s and the fullness thereof.” (24:1)

We are temporary residents of a world entirely belonging to the Blessed Holy One. Perhaps because we don’t own the world, we treat it as poorly as many apartment dwellers treat their living space. Homeowners tend to take care of their property better than renters. Perhaps the Psalmist should have written, “The earth, and everything in it, belong to you. If you want your investment to increase in value, take care of it.” Instead, he suggests that we are guests in someone else’s home. Only those who show honor to their Host deserve standing in God’s world as recipients of God’s blessing.