As for me, because of my integrity you have upheld me, and you will set me before your face to time indefinite.”​—Ps. 41:11, 12.

During David’s sickness, God directed his thoughts to the firm conviction that he would be upheld ‘because of his integrity.’ The psalmist does not thereby deny his own sinfulness and unrighteous acts but lays claim to a general life course of wholehearted devotion to God. Instead of succumbing to an untimely death, the psalmist anticipated continuing for a long time (“to time indefinite”) ‘before God’s face,’ that is, in friendly relations with the Creator and as the recipient of his protection.