11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, 1
but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them. 2
11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way, 3
but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness. 4
11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, 5
but the faithless will be captured 6 by their own desires. 7
15:2 Whoever lives a blameless life, 8
does what is right,
and speaks honestly. 9
25:21 May integrity and godliness protect me,
for I rely on you!
By David.
26:1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have integrity, 11
and I trust in the Lord without wavering.
1 sn This contrasts two lifestyles, affirming the value of integrity. The upright live with integrity – blamelessness – and that integrity leads them in success and happiness. Those who use treachery will be destroyed by it.
2 tc The form is a Kethib/Qere reading. The Qere יְשָׁדֵּם (yÿshadem) is an imperfect tense with the pronominal suffix. The Kethib וְשַׁדָּם (vÿshadam) is a perfect tense with a vav prefixed and a pronominal suffix. The Qere is supported by the versions.
3 tn Heb “his way.”
4 sn The righteous will enjoy security and serenity throughout life. Righteousness makes the path straight; wickedness destroys the wicked.
5 sn The contrast is between being rescued or delivered (נָצַל, natsal) and being captured (לָכַד, lakhad). Righteousness is freeing; [evil] desires are enslaving.
6 tn Heb “taken captive” (so NRSV); NIV, TEV “are trapped.”
7 tn Heb “but by the desire of the faithless are they taken captive.”
7 tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”
8 tn Heb “one who speaks truth in his heart”; or “one who speaks truth [that is] in his heart.” This apparently refers to formulating a truthful statement in one’s mind and then honestly revealing that statement in one’s speech.
9 sn Psalm 26. The author invites the Lord to test his integrity, asserts his innocence and declares his loyalty to God.
10 tn Heb “for I in my integrity walk.”