Psalm 25:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

NIV: He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

NASB: He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.

CSB: He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

NLT: He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.

KJV: The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

NKJV: The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.

God leads the humble to do what is right and teaches the humble His truths. In this context, being "humble" or "meek" does not mean being timid, weak, or shy. It refers to strength under control. C. S. Lewis quipped that "humble" people do not think less of themselves, rather they are people who think of themselves less.

Self-will and pride mark unbelievers, but converted sinners realize they cannot journey through life without God's guidance. The journey presents too many dangers and uncertainties. Therefore, the humble rely on God for direction, and they are not disappointed. Psalm 32:8 counsels us to receive instruction, and the following verse advises us not to be like a horse or mule that lacks understanding and must be forced to submit to the owner's control.

Echoing these sentiments, James 4:6 assures us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:10 promises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." Humility is not always held in high esteem in modern culture, but it is a virtue God honors and should characterize all who want to obtain a better knowledge of God and His way.

Psalm 25:8–14 was written by David about the character of God. He expresses the fact that it is wise to trust in God. David trusted God when life seemed tenuous. His foes made treacherous plans to disgrace him, but David trusted God to deliver him, forgive him, and guide him through life. Ephesians 2:8–10 is a companion passage. It teaches that God has a plan for all whom he saves.

This prayer of David uses the Hebrew alphabet as a pattern. This is an acrostic, where verses each begin with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The final verse, however, repeats the letter used in verse 16. David declares his trust in God and the value of the Lord's wisdom. Mixed into these praises of God's truth are multiple requests that David be forgiven of his sins. The psalm ends with David asking for rescue from his enemies, and for a similar redemption for the nation of Israel.

Psalm 25 finds David facing difficulty and seeking the Lord's guidance. Proverbs 3:5–6 offers a similar emphasis on divine guidance for those who seek the Lord's will. Deuteronomy 32 provides parallel teaching, as do Psalm 37:1–7 and Psalm 40.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.