Old Testament
Psalms 119:137
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Righteous are you, O LORD, and upright are your judgments.
Compare translations
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
What Psalms 119:137 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges the righteousness of God. By calling God 'righteous,' the psalmist affirms that God always acts in a morally right way. The term 'upright' emphasizes that God's judgments are fair and just. This reflects a deep trust in God's character and His decisions. The psalmist is expressing confidence that God's laws and decrees are not only good but also reflect His perfect nature. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder to believers that they can rely on God's wisdom and justice in their lives. It encourages them to align their own actions with God's standards, knowing that He is the ultimate source of righteousness. The verse highlights the importance of recognizing God's authority and the need for humans to submit to His will, trusting that His judgments are always for the best.
How to apply Psalms 119:137 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's righteousness and justice in our lives. When faced with difficult decisions or injustices, we can find comfort in knowing that God is always fair and upright. We should strive to reflect His righteousness in our own actions and judgments.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 119:137
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 119:137
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 119:137 mean?
Psalms 119:137 expresses the psalmist's recognition of God's righteousness and fairness. It affirms that God always acts justly and that His judgments reflect His perfect moral character.
What is the meaning of 'righteous' in Psalms 119:137?
In this verse, 'righteous' refers to God's inherent quality of being morally right and just. It emphasizes that God's actions and decisions are always aligned with what is good and fair.
How can I apply Psalms 119:137 in my life?
You can apply this verse by trusting in God's fairness when facing challenges or injustices. It encourages you to reflect God's righteousness in your own decisions and actions.
Why is God's righteousness important in Psalms 119:137?
God's righteousness is important in this verse as it reassures believers that they can rely on His just nature. It highlights the need to align personal actions with God's standards of morality.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.