Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Ps. 89:14)
Expanded Passage: Psalm 89:9-18
Foundations represent beginnings. Before anything can be built to withstand storms, chaos, and time, a proper foundation must be put in place. This reality most obviously applies to houses; without a firm foundation, the walls are certain to crumble, shift, and rapidly deteriorate. The integrity of an entire structure is dependent upon this solid beginning. But other beginnings—foundations—are equally important: study after study points to the importance of a secure family and early childhood; we know that the first year or two of marriage greatly influences the future happiness of a relationship; a solid grammar school education greatly increases the chances of later success. Foundations matter. The psalmist tells us that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne. They lay the groundwork for God’s authority. To be righteous is to do right, and to be just is to set right. God’s perfect nature is revealed in this simple passage. He also deems it right that love and faithfulness should herald his righteousness and justice. It is an announcement: he is a loving King.
This passage demonstrates the tension between love and judgment. It is a paradoxical tension that confuses the world, but one that perfectly demonstrates the nature of a holy and righteous God. We can give our complete, absolute trust to the One who executes loving justice.
Today, remind someone that God is both holy and just.
Dalene Fisher is a full-time wife, mother, and grandma. She is a former associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
