Psalms 25:12

What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose.

What man {H376} is he that feareth {H3373} the LORD {H3068}? him shall he teach {H3384} in the way {H1870} that he shall choose {H977}.

Who is the person who fears ADONAI? He will teach him the way to choose.

Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.

What man is he that feareth Jehovah? Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose.

Psalms 25:12 (KJV): "What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose."

Context

Psalm 25 is a prayer of David, filled with petitions for guidance, forgiveness, and protection from enemies. It is an acrostic psalm, though imperfectly so in the Hebrew. Within this prayer for direction and mercy, verse 12 focuses on the condition for receiving divine teaching and guidance – the fear of the LORD. David is seeking understanding and instruction from God (Psalm 25:4), and here he identifies who is eligible for such teaching.

Key Themes

  • Fearing the LORD: This is presented as the prerequisite for receiving God's instruction. It's not mere terror, but a deep reverence, respect, and awe that leads to obedience.
  • Divine Guidance: The verse promises that God will actively teach and guide the person who fears Him.
  • God's Chosen Way: The guidance provided is specifically "the way that He shall choose" for that person, implying God's perfect plan and path for their life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "feareth the LORD" translates the Hebrew yareh Yahweh. Yareh signifies a profound reverence, awe, or respect, not just fear in the sense of being scared. It is often linked with wisdom and knowledge in the Old Testament, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." The word "teach" comes from yarah, which means to instruct, guide, or point the way, related to the word Torah (law/instruction). "Way" is derekh, meaning a path, road, or course of life.

Commentary and Application

This verse establishes a fundamental principle: divine guidance is directly connected to one's relationship with God, specifically characterized by a reverent fear. It's not the intellectually brightest or the most powerful who receive God's best direction, but those who hold Him in highest esteem and seek to honor Him. The promise is that God Himself will undertake the role of teacher for such a person, showing them the specific path or course of action that He deems best for them. This is a comforting assurance that God takes a personal interest in guiding the lives of those who fear Him, leading them according to His perfect will, "the way that He shall choose." For believers today, this means cultivating a heart of reverence and obedience towards God is key to discerning His will and experiencing His guidance in daily decisions and the overall direction of life. We can trust that He will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go.

Reflection

Consider what it truly means to "fear the LORD" in your life. How does cultivating reverence and respect for God impact your willingness and ability to receive His guidance? What "way" is God teaching you to choose today?

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 37:23

    The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

  • Psalms 32:8

    I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

  • John 7:17

    If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

  • Psalms 111:10

    The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

  • Isaiah 50:10

    ¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

  • Proverbs 1:7

    ¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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