Psalms

Psalm 29

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“May Adonai grant strength to God’s people;
may Adonai bless God’s people with peace.” (29:11)

Strength and peace — These two concepts are rooted in the classic military theory of preventing war (or winning war) through projecting power. No one dares to attack the strong nation, because the weaker nation would face virtually certain defeat. We hope the strongest nation uses its leadership and power for kind and loving purposes. Otherwise, when the powerful begin exercising power for their own enrichment, those around them join together to take down the tyrant. May we be granted the strength to achieve peace and the wisdom to use it for just purposes.

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.