What does Psalm 25:7 mean?

David prays about those things he does not want the Lord to remember, as opposed to those he does want Him to remember. Naturally, David does not want the Lord to remember the sins he committed as a young man. These sins probably included both sins of omission and sins of commission. Because David knew God is merciful and loving, he appeals to Him for pardon.

Youth is certainly a time when passions are strongest and restraint is weakest. In his reply to his critic Zophar, Job said, "You write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth" (Job 13:26). In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul exhorts Timothy: "Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). While it might seem easier to err in our youth, temptation does not stop when we grow old. But all who put their faith in God, whether young or old, can be triumphant over the temptation to sin. Psalm 119:9 counsels: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word."