TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 25:8–14. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
God's promises are here mixed with David's prayers. Many petitions there were in the former part of the psalm, and many we shall find in the latter; and here, in the middle of the psalm, he meditates upon the promises, and by a lively faith sucks and is satisfied from these breasts of consolation; for the promises of God are not only the best foundation of prayer, telling us what to pray for and encouraging our faith and hope in prayer, but they are a present answer to prayer. Let the prayer be made according to the promise, and then the promise may be read as a return to the prayer; and we are to believe the prayer is heard because the promise will be performed. But, in the midst of the promises, we fine one petition which seems to come in somewhat abruptly, and should have followed upon Psa 25:7. It is that (Psa 25:11), Pardon my iniquity. But prayers for the pardon of sin are never impertinent; we mingle sin with all our actions, and therefore should mingle such prayers with all our devotions. He enforces this petition with a double plea. The former is very natural: "For thy name's sake pardon my iniquity, because thou hast proclaimed thy name gracious and merciful, pardoning iniquity, for thy glory-sake, for thy promise-sake, for thy own sake," Isa 43:25. But the latter is very surprising: "Pardon my iniquity, for it is great, and the greater it is the more will divine mercy be magnified in the forgiveness of it." It is the glory of a great God to forgive great sins, to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin, Exo 34:7. "It is great, and therefore I an undone, for ever undone, if infinite mercy do not interpose for the pardon of it. It is great; I see it to be so." The more we see of the heinousness of our sins the better qualified we are to find mercy with God. When we confess sin we must aggravate it.
Let us now take a view of the great and precious promises which we have in these verses, and observe,
I.To whom these promises belong and who may expect the benefit of them.
We are all sinners; and can we hope for any advantage by them? Yes (Psa 25:8), He will teach sinners, though they be sinners; for Christ came into the world to save sinners, and, in order to that, to teach sinners, to call sinners to repentance. These promises are sure to those who though they have been sinners, have gone astray, yet now keep God's word,
1.To such as keep his covenant and his testimonies (Psa 25:10), such as take his precepts for their rule and his promises for their portion, such as, having taken God to be to them a God, live upon that, and, having given up themselves to be him a people, live up to that. Though, through the infirmity of the flesh, they sometimes break the command, yet by a sincere repentance when at any time they do amiss, and a constant adherence by faith to God as their God, they keep the covenant and do not break that.
2.To such as fear him (Psa 25:12 and again Psa 25:14), such as stand in awe of his majesty and worship him with reverence, submit to his authority and obey him with cheerfulness, dread his wrath and are afraid of offending him.
II.Upon what these promises are grounded, and what encouragement we have to build upon them.
Here are two things which ratify and confirm all the promises: - 1. The perfections of God's nature. We value the promise by the character of him that makes its. We may therefore depend upon God's promises; for good and upright is the Lord, and therefore he will be as good as his word. He is so kind that he cannot deceive us, so true that he cannot break his promise. Faithful is he who hath promised, who also will do it. He was good in making the promise, and therefore will be upright in performing it. 2. The agreeableness of all he says and does with the perfections of his nature (Psa 25:10): All the paths of the Lord (that is, all his promises and all his providences) are mercy and truth; they are, like himself, good and upright. All God's dealings with his people are according to the mercy of his purposes and the truth of his promises; all he does comes from love, covenant-love; and they may see in it his mercy displayed and his word fulfilled. What a rich satisfaction may this be to good people, that, whatever afflictions they are exercised with, All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, and so it will appear when they come to their journey's end.
III.What these promises are.
1.That God will instruct and direct them in the way of their duty. This is most insisted upon, because it is an answer to David's prayers (Psa 25:4, Psa 25:5), Show me thy ways and lead me. We should fix our thoughts, and act our faith, most on those promises which suit our present case.
(1.)He will teach sinners in the way, because they are sinners, and therefore need teaching. When they see themselves sinners, and desire teaching, then he will teach them the way of reconciliation to God, the way to a well-grounded peace of conscience, and the way to eternal life. He does, by his gospel, make this way known to all, and, by his Spirit, open the understanding and guide penitent sinners that enquire after it. The devil leads men blindfold to hell, but God enlightens men's eyes, sets things before them in a true light, and so leads them to heaven.
(2.)The meek will he guide, the meek will he teach, that is, those that are humble and low in their own eyes, that are distrustful of themselves, desirous to be taught, and honestly resolved to follow the divine guidance. Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears. These he will guide in judgment, that is, by the rule of the written word; he will guide them in that which is practical, which relates to sin and duty, so that they may keep conscience void of offence; and he will do it judiciously (so some), that is, he will suit his conduct to their case; he will teach sinners with wisdom, tenderness, and compassion, and as they are able to bear. He will teach them his way. All good people make God's way their way, and desire to be taught that; and those that do so shall be taught and led in that way.
(3.)Him that feareth the Lord he will teach in the way that he shall choose, either in the way that God shall choose or that the good man shall choose. It comes all to one, for he that fears the Lord chooses the things that please him. If we choose the right way, he that directed our choice will direct our steps, and will lead us in it. If we choose wisely, God will give us grace to walk wisely.
2.That God will make them easy (Psa 25:13): His soul shall dwell at ease, shall lodge in goodness, marg. Those that devote themselves to the fear of God, and give themselves to be taught of God, will be easy, if it be not their own fault. The soul that is sanctified by the grace of God, and, much more, that is comforted by the peace of God, dwells at ease. Even when the body is sick and lies in pain, yet the soul may dwell at ease in God, may return to him, and repose in him as its rest. Many things occur to make us uneasy, but there is enough in the covenant of grace to counterbalance them all and to make us easy.
3.That he will give to them and theirs as much of this world as is good for them: His seed shall inherit the earth. Next to our care concerning our souls is our care concerning our seed, and God has a blessing in store for the generation of the upright. Those that fear God shall inherit the earth, shall have a competency in it and the comfort of it, and their children shall fare the better for their prayers when they are gone.
4.That God will admit them into the secret of communion with himself (Psa 25:14): The secret of the Lord is with those that fear him. They understand his word; for, if any man do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, Joh 7:17. Those that receive the truth in the love of it, and experience the power of it, best understand the mystery of it. They know the meaning of his providence, and what God is doing with them, better than others. Shall I hide from Abraham the things that I do? Gen 18:17. He call them not servants, but friends, as he called Abraham. They know by experience the blessings of the covenant and the pleasure of that fellowship which gracious souls have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. This honour have all his saints.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Who is the man that fears the Lord?" from which fear he begins to come to wisdom. "He shall establish a law for him in the way, which he has chosen" [Psalm 25:12]. He shall establish a law for him in the way, which in his freedom he has taken, that he may not sin now with impunity.
He now comes to the third section in which the psalmist discusses in detail who it is who fears the Lord or with what gift the Lord expresses his thanks.
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Summary
Psalms 25:12 articulates a profound spiritual principle: divine guidance is exclusively reserved for those who cultivate a reverent fear of the LORD. It poses a rhetorical question that immediately provides its own answer, promising that God Himself will personally instruct and direct such an individual, leading them along the specific path He has sovereignly chosen for their life. This verse underscores the intimate connection between a posture of humble awe and submission before God and the reception of His perfect, tailor-made wisdom and direction.
CONTEXT
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, H3373, signifies more than just being afraid; it denotes a deep, reverential awe, respect, and worshipful submission. It implies a recognition of God's supreme power, holiness, and majesty, which naturally leads to obedience and a desire to please Him. This "fear" is the foundation of true wisdom and the proper posture of a creature before its Creator, inspiring a life lived in accordance with His will.
This noun, H3068, refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the Jewish national name of God, Jehovah. It emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His unchanging nature. To "fear the LORD" is to stand in awe of the personal, covenant-keeping God who is eternally existent and sovereign over all.
This primitive root, H3384, means properly to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to instruct, or to teach. It is the root of the Hebrew word Torah, meaning "instruction" or "law." Here, it emphasizes God's active, personal, and authoritative role as a divine mentor, providing clear direction and understanding to those who seek Him.
This noun, H1870, refers to a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action. In a spiritual context, it often denotes one's conduct, moral behavior, or the overall direction and purpose of one's life. The "way that He shall choose" indicates a specific, divinely appointed path, not a generic one, tailored to the individual.
Verse Breakdown
"What man [is] he that feareth the LORD?"
This rhetorical question serves to immediately draw the reader's attention to the specific character trait that is central to the verse's promise. It identifies the subject of the divine promise not by their social status, intellect, or material wealth, but by their spiritual disposition—a humble, reverent awe towards God. This fear is the foundational attitude that opens one to God's instruction, indicating that divine guidance is not universally dispensed but specifically offered to those who honor Him.
"him shall he teach"
This is the direct and powerful promise. The "he" refers to the LORD, signifying that God Himself will be the instructor. This is not a passive imparting of knowledge but an active, personal, and intentional guidance. God takes on the role of a divine teacher, providing understanding and direction to the one who reveres Him. This teaching encompasses both moral instruction for righteous living and practical guidance for life's complex decisions.
"in the way [that] he shall choose."
This clause clarifies the nature and source of the guidance. The "way" is not chosen by the individual, nor is it a path of human devising; rather, it is the specific path that God Himself, in His infinite wisdom and perfect will, selects for that person. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and benevolent intent, assuring the believer that the path He chooses is ultimately the best and most righteous one for their life, leading to His purposes and their ultimate good.
Literary Devices
The verse employs a Rhetorical Question ("What man [is] he that feareth the LORD?") to immediately engage the audience and highlight the specific characteristic being discussed, setting the stage for the subsequent promise. This question implicitly provides its own answer, drawing the reader into the profound truth being conveyed. The structure of the verse also presents a clear Conditional Promise, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship: the condition of fearing the LORD directly leads to the consequence of receiving divine teaching. Furthermore, "the way" is a powerful Metaphor for one's life course, conduct, or destiny, representing the journey and direction God intends for those who honor Him, implying a divinely ordained path that is both specific and beneficial.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse encapsulates a core biblical truth: the fear of the LORD is the gateway to divine wisdom and guidance. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, establishing that true knowledge and understanding do not begin with human intellect or worldly pursuits, but with a humble, reverent submission to God. This fear is not a cowering dread, but a profound awe that recognizes God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and goodness, leading to a desire to obey and honor Him above all else. When a person adopts this posture, God actively commits to being their personal instructor, guiding them through life's complexities and leading them into His perfect will. This divine commitment assures believers that they are never left to navigate life's paths alone, but are under the direct tutelage of the Almighty, receiving wisdom tailored to their unique journey.
Reflection and Application
In a world saturated with self-help advice, trending philosophies, and countless voices vying for our attention, Psalms 25:12 redirects us to the singular, authoritative source of true guidance: the LORD Himself. It challenges us to examine the deepest posture of our hearts. Do we genuinely "fear the LORD"—not in terror, but in a profound, reverential awe that acknowledges His supreme authority, wisdom, and goodness? This fear is the spiritual antenna that tunes us into God's frequency, enabling us to discern His voice amidst the clamor of competing claims. When we cultivate such a heart, we position ourselves to receive His personal instruction, trusting that He will indeed teach us "in the way that He shall choose." This means surrendering our own preferred paths, our limited perspectives, and our often-flawed wisdom, and instead embracing the divine blueprint for our lives. It calls for a daily commitment to humility, obedience, and an active listening to His Word and His Spirit, confident that His chosen way is always the best way, leading to flourishing and fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "fear the LORD" truly mean in this context?
In the context of Psalms 25:12 and throughout much of the Old Testament, "fear the LORD" does not primarily mean to be terrified or scared of God. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, respect, and worshipful submission to God's holiness, power, and majesty. It is a humble recognition of His supreme authority and goodness, which naturally leads to a desire to obey Him, live in accordance with His will, and avoid anything that would displease Him. This reverential fear is consistently presented as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, as seen in Proverbs 9:10. It's the proper posture of a creature before its Creator, opening the heart to receive divine instruction and guidance.
Does God choose a specific "way" for every person, or is it a general moral path?
The phrase "the way that He shall choose" suggests a specific, tailor-made path for those who fear Him, encompassing more than just a general moral code. While God certainly guides us in righteous living (a moral path), this verse implies a personal, divinely appointed course of life for each individual. This "way" includes not only our ethical conduct but also our unique calling, purpose, and the specific steps and decisions God desires for our lives. It assures us that God's guidance is precise and intentional, leading us along the optimal route He has designed. This divine choice ensures that the individual walks in a manner pleasing to Him and fulfills the unique purposes He has for them, as further illuminated in passages like Romans 12:2, which speaks of discerning God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 25:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the perfect Teacher, through whom God's chosen way is fully revealed. The "fear of the LORD" that the Psalmist speaks of is perfectly exemplified in Christ's own life of complete submission and obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). For believers, the fear of the LORD is now expressed through reverent faith in Jesus, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior. It is Christ who declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," making it clear that the "way that He shall choose" for us is ultimately a life lived in union with Him. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised as our Helper and Guide (John 16:13), Christ continues to teach and lead those who fear the Father through Him. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3), and it is through Him that we are taught and empowered to walk in the specific, God-chosen path that leads to abundant life and eternal fellowship with the Father.