For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and I have not turned away from my God through wickedness.
David explains his righteousness by remaining faithful to God’s ways. He does not say that he has never stumbled or sinned, but he testifies that he has not consciously and willingly departed from his God. The phrase “I kept the ways of the Lord” shows a course of life whose standard is God’s will and commandments. A person’s faithfulness is revealed especially in times of trial. Hardship can push someone to justify steps that are contrary to God’s will, yet the Lord’s way does not change because of human circumstances. At the same time, this verse is not about perfect innocence. David also had stumblings, but the main direction of his life was to belong to God and to walk in His paths. For the believer this is an important reminder: stumbling and consciously departing from God are not the same. True faith turns a person back again to the Lord and keeps him on His way. God’s grace does not remove the necessity of obedience; rather, that very grace strengthens the believer to continue walking according to His will.