What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’? We refer to an affliction that which causes pain and suffering through physical infirmity and/or mental distress. Individuals, as well as nations, can be afflicted, and that affliction is often attributed to the Lord and His punishment (Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6). Individuals or nations that have been crushed can take hope that the affliction is for a short time. As they sincerely turn to the Lord God and put their trust in Him, He will rescue them and redeem them in Christ. Because of the fact that affliction can have several causes and applications with subtle differences not reflected by our English vocabulary, there are about 14 Hebrew and Greek words that are translated as “affliction” in our English Bibles.

Brethren, affliction is part of living in this world. We are all likely to suffer heartaches, disappointments, injuries, lack, rejection, sickness, and failure. In such times, we should remember Paul’s encouragement in 2 Corinthians 4:16–17: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Behold, afflictions remind the Christian that this world is not his/her home. 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” By keeping our focus on this Biblical truth, we can endure any affliction.

What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’?

Definition and Meaning of Afflictions

What are Afflictions? “Afflictions” is the translation of a Hebrew noun רָע֣וֹת (rā· ‘ō·wṯ) that means bad or evil things. Other translations use phrases, such as “many troubles, many hardships, and perplexing circumstances, adversities, evils, and ills.” This word is synonymous with things and people that are rotten, evil, malignant, disagreeable, and unkind (vicious in disposition) in thoughts, words, and actions. Afflictions can be any evil thing or person that causes misery, calamity, injury, unhappiness, and pain.

Individual and National Afflictions

In the Old Testament, the Lord God often afflicted individuals and nations for their disobedience and wickedness. Notice how the plagues in Egypt at the time of the exodus caused great affliction (e.g., Exodus 8:24; 9:10–11). One reason the Lord God brought affliction upon the nations was to purge the earth of the contamination of their wickedness. Another reason was to teach Israel the grave necessity of following the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:58–60). Likewise, the Lord God also quickly judged Israelites who defied Him or His appointed leaders (Numbers 12: 1–4, 10; 16:28–33). Individuals and nations can be afflicted for a number of reasons:

• Affliction can be a direct consequence of sin (Galatians 6:8; Proverbs 11:18).
• Affliction can come as a judgment from God (Ezekiel 36:18–19; 39:24; Romans 1:18–32; 2:6; 6:23).
• Affliction can occur for God’s Divine purposes (Job 2:7; Isaiah 53:7; Psalm 119:75).
• Affliction can purify us and help us develop endurance (Daniel 12:10; James 1:3; 1 Peter 4:12–13).
• Affliction is part of living in a Fallen World (Psalm 25:16; 1 Peter 1:6; John 16:33).
• Affliction can be the result of persecution for Jesus’ sake (2 Timothy 3:11–12; Psalm 69:6–7; 1 John 3:13).
• Affliction can be the result of a direct attack from Satan (Luke 22:31; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8).

Are Afflictions and Indication of Sin?

The quick answer to this question is yes and no. Looking at the Old Testament Law, we notice that difficult times and physical afflictions were often signs of God’s punishment for being wicked and unrighteous. In fact, many Biblical verses link suffering to the disobedience of God’s Laws. This idea is supported and summarized in Deuteronomy 28:58-59: “If you are not careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring on you and your offspring extraordinary afflictions, afflictions severe and lasting, and sicknesses grievous and lasting.” However, Psalm 34 provides a balance to this perspective. We can also suffer afflictions due to other people’s sins.

In Psalm 34, we notice that though David was righteous, he was exiled from his home and hunted by King Saul. Saul’s anger and jealousy led to David’s suffering. David wrote, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). In the New Testament, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ provided another perspective on the idea that affliction was always a sign of God’s punishment for sin. After seeing a blind man, Jesus’ disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:1). The consensus during this time was that being born blind was a result of being unrighteous. So, just before healing the man, Jesus explained that the man’s condition was not a result of sin “but that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). 

Jesus is our Model for Understanding Suffering and Righteousness

Behold brethren, Jesus is our model for understanding suffering and righteousness. Scripture explicitly tells us that Jesus was righteous and did not sin, yet he experienced great suffering for God’s glory and humanity’s benefit (1 Peter 4:12-13). He was afflicted, wrongly accused, harassed, persecuted, spit on, whipped, and crucified. John 19:36 says, “These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken,’” and connects Jesus’ crucifixion to Psalm 34:20, “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.” As Christians, it’s important for us to understand that the Lord God often allows believers to suffer so that they become more like Jesus in their character and so that they can better understand and connect to others in their suffering.

What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’?

Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” This is an encouraging and strengthening Scripture when faced with extreme suffering. Although it contains a potentially disheartening statement that righteous people will suffer many afflictions, it also holds the reassuring promise that the Lord will deliver the righteous person from them. The Hebrew word translated “deliver” in this verse also means “snatches away” and “rescues.” And as such, it’s clear that the Lord will rescue the righteous person from times of affliction and evil people.
David was hiding in a cave when he wrote this Psalm. Though he was in exile, he knew that the Lord God would save him and protect him from harm. We understand from this Biblical story that being righteous doesn’t necessarily mean a person will be exempted from affliction and evil, but instead that God will deliver the righteous person during hard times.

Who Are the Righteous, and Who Are the Wicked?

We’ve come to the conclusion that both the Righteous people and the wicked people can suffer affliction; however, Psalm 34 distinguishes between how the Lord God will treat them. The righteous people are wholly conformed to the will of God; they are people of integrity and whose conduct and character meet God’s standard. They are in the right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Psalm 34:19 explicitly says that the Lord will deliver the righteous from affliction. Likewise, the previous verses in this chapter encourage the reader that God’s eyes are toward the righteous and God’s ears hear their cries (Psalm34:15); the Lord hears the righteous and responds by delivering them (Psalm 34:17); and the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).

In contrast, other verses in Psalm 34 explain that the wicked will suffer affliction and eternal condemnation. Note that the wicked are those who do evil, are guilty of breaking God’s law, and deserve punishment. As a matter of fact, the face of the Lord God is against those who do evil (Psalm 34:16); and ultimately, affliction will slay the wicked, and they will be condemned (Psalm 34:21), unlike the righteous who will be rescued and not condemned (Psalm 34:22). 1 Peter 3:12 quotes Psalm 34:15-16, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

How Can People be Righteous?

Scripture explicitly teaches us that people cannot be righteous on their own, but they are made righteous through belief in Jesus (Romans 3:22-23). 1 Peter 2:22-24 further explains how Jesus Christ makes us righteous, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.“
Isaiah 53:11 prophesies that the suffering of the righteous servant will make many righteous because He will bear their sins, “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.”

What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’?

Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Psalm 34:17-20 – “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”

Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,“

2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Group 1 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Psalm 119:71 – “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.“

2 Corinthians 4:16 – “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

James 5:11 – “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.“

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.“

Psalm 22:26 – “The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!“

Group 2 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 10:17-18 – “O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.“

Psalm 22:24 – “For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,“

James 1:2-4 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Group 3 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 34:1-22 – “Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. …“

Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

1 John 3:1-2 – “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.“

Group 4 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Psalm 9:18 – “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.“

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. …“

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 9:13-14 – “Be gracious to me, O Lord! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.”

Group 5 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

James 5:13 – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.“

Psalm 10:14 – “But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.“

Psalm 22:23-24 – “You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Matthew 4:23 – “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”

Isaiah 46:10 – “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’“

Group 6 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Psalm 9:12 – “For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.“

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 22:44 – “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’?

1 Peter 3:4 – “But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.“

Ephesians 6:13 – “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.“

Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Group 7 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Psalm 119:75 – “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”

2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Hebrews 2:10 – “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.“

1 Peter 1:7 – “So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.“

Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.“

Group 8 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

2 Timothy 3:17 – “That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Malachi 4:1-2 – “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.“

Job 36:21 – “Take care; do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction.”

Psalm 91:1-16 – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, …“

Group 9 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Lamentations 3:33 – “For he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.“

Isaiah 62:6-8 – “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored;“

Isaiah 48:10 – “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.”

Psalm 23:1-6 – “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …“

Group 10 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Psalm 119:107 – “I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!“

Judges 16:25-30 – “And when their hearts were merry, they said, “Call Samson, that he may entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They made him stand between the pillars. And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained. Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” …“

Ezra 8:21 – “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.”

John 9:1-41 – “As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” …“

Group 11 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!“

Matthew 25:13 – “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.“

Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.“

1 Thessalonians 1:6 – “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,“

1 Peter 5:8-10 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.“

Group 12 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,“

Hebrews 13:2-3 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Ephesians 5:26 – “That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,”

Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Romans 8:28-29 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.“

Group 13 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Psalm 145:18-20 – “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.“

1 Thessalonians 5:17-21 – “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“

Philippians 2:4-8 – “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.“

Group 14 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Luke 6:36-38 – Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Acts 17:28 – For “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”

Philippians 1:27 – “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,“

Group 15 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

Jeremiah 39:18 – “For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.’”

Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Psalm 119:67 – “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.“

Psalm 113:1-9 – “Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, …“

Group 16 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Psalm 34:15 – “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.”

Psalm 23:6 – “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Leviticus 23:1-44 – “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the Lord that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts. “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places. “These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight, is the Lord’s Passover. ...”

Revelation 22:19 – “And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.“

Hebrews 13:15-16 – “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.“

Group 17 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Jeremiah 6:16 – Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

Matthew 17:20 – He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Romans 1:17 – For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 5:12 – “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—“

2 Corinthians 1:20 – “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.“

Group 18 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Matthew 25:34-40 – “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? …“

Psalm 31:10 – “For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.”

Psalm 142:4-6 – “Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me!“

Genesis 40:6-7 – When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?”

Group 19 – What Does it Mean ‘Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous’

Isaiah 49:14-22 – But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Your builders make haste; your destroyers and those who laid you waste go out from you. Lift up your eyes around and see; they all gather, they come to you. As I live, declares the Lord, you shall put them all on as an ornament; you shall bind them on as a bride does. …

Deuteronomy 10:17-20 – “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.“

Also Read

• What Does the Bible Say About Suffering?
• What Does the Bible Say About Compassion?
• Bible Verses About Sadness
• Bible Verses for Depression and Addiction
• Punishment for Abomination
• What Does the Bible Say About the Savior?
• Sermon on Absolute Truth
• What Does the Bible Say About Being a Man?
• What Does the Bible Say About Acknowledgement?
• Bible Verses About Eternal Life
• Bible Verses About Adoring Images
• What Does the Bible Say About Righteousness?
• What Does the Bible Say About Jesus Christ?