Psalms 9:8

8 He rules the world with righteousness; he judges the nations with justice.

Psalms 9:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 9:8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness
The word (lbt) , rendered "world", is, as Ben Melech well observes, a general name for all the countries of the habitable world; and so shows that it is the universal judgment that is here spoken of; and which will be carried on and finished with the utmost righteousness, and according to the strictest rules of justice and equity; and is therefore called the righteous judgment of God, ( Romans 2:5 ) ; see ( Psalms 96:13 ) ( 98:9 ) ( Acts 17:31 ) ;

he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness;
which signifies the same with the former clause, unless by the "world" there, should be meant the wicked of the world; and by the "people" here, the people of God; to whom the righteous Judge will give the crown of righteousness.

Psalms 9:8 In-Context

6 Our enemies are finished forever; you have destroyed their cities, and they are completely forgotten.
7 But the Lord is king forever; he has set up his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world with righteousness; he judges the nations with justice.
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a place of safety in times of trouble.
10 Those who know you, Lord, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.