What does Psalm 25:13 mean?

God's will for our lives includes obedience to His commands. While there are no guarantees of success or fortune, obeying and honoring His will gives us the best chance at happiness. The Lord promises spiritual blessing to the person who reverences the Lord.

Further, He promises the descendants of the person who reverences Him will possesses the land; that is, Canaan, the Promised Land. These promises call to mind what the Lord commanded the people of Israel, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). In Deuteronomy 4:1–14 the Lord promised that those who kept His covenant would receive blessing and the privilege of passing along the covenant promises to the next generation. While the literal promises of physical land were meant only for the nation of Israel, the implications of that idea carry on for all Christians. This is a recurring theme in the fourth chapter of Hebrews.

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul instructed children to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1–3). He wrote, "(this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'"

There is a correlation between reverence for the Lord and well-being in Psalm 25:13 that is readily apparent today. The person who fears the Lord refuses to abuse his body because he recognizes it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). He abstains from habit-forming drugs and harmful practices and, therefore, is more likely to maintain good health. Generally speaking, his children follow his good example and enjoy personal well-being.