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.”
8 tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”
9 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.
10 sn Psalm 26. The author invites the Lord to test his integrity, asserts his innocence and declares his loyalty to God.
11 tn Heb “for I in my integrity walk.”