King James Bible
"As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."
David contrasts God's flawless methods with human imperfection, declaring that divine actions and plans contain no error or injustice. This affirmation likely stems from David's experience of God's deliverance from his enemies, establishing the foundation for why God can be trusted completely. God's promises have been tested like metal refined in fire, proven pure and reliable through countless fulfillments. The Hebrew term suggests a refining process that removes all impurities, emphasizing that God's word withstands every trial and remains absolutely dependable. The buckler, a small shield worn on the arm for close combat, represents God's personal and immediate protection for believers. This military imagery shifts from God's character to His active defense, promising that those who place their confidence in Him will find Him to be their protective covering.