Goodness and good are words that have several meanings and uses, are understood when stated, and yet are hard to define. When David says, “How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you,” what is he saying?
Having the quality of being good can be subjective. Like I may say a certain food is good and yet another person may not like it at all. Or perhaps a vendor may say a certain item has goodness packed into it, but when I try it I may totally disagree. The goodness they may be referring to might be nutrition despite taste. And for me having good nutritional values may not outweigh having an unpalatable taste.
David’s claims in these two verses are stated as absolute truths. That is, through the Spirit, God is saying these things are true goodness for everyone who practices them. He is promising me that if I fear him and take refuge in him, then he will store up great goodness for me, and at the right time he will bestow that goodness to me in the sight of men. He also promises as I take refuge in him he will keep me safe in his dwelling from accusing tongues.
Previous Psalms stated, “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.” (27:5-6) and, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (32:7)
