Psalms 25:8

¶ Good and upright [is] the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

Good {H2896} and upright {H3477} is the LORD {H3068}: therefore will he teach {H3384} sinners {H2400} in the way {H1870}.

ADONAI is good, and he is fair; this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.

Good and upright is Jehovah: Therefore will he instruct sinners in the way.

Psalm 25:8 beautifully encapsulates the compassionate and righteous nature of God, highlighting His willingness to guide all who seek Him, even those who have strayed. This verse offers profound comfort and direction, rooted in the unchanging character of the LORD.

Context

This verse is part of a prayerful psalm of David, likely composed during a time of distress or seeking divine guidance. Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm (though not perfectly preserved in all translations), where David expresses his dependence on God for deliverance, forgiveness, and wisdom. Preceding verses (e.g., Psalm 25:4) emphasize David's plea for God to "shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths." Verse 8 flows naturally from this appeal, asserting God's inherent goodness as the reason for His teaching.

Key Themes

  • God's Character as Good and Upright: The foundational truth presented is the impeccable nature of God. His "goodness" (Hebrew: Tov) speaks to His benevolent, kind, and beneficial disposition, while "upright" (Hebrew: Yashar) signifies His unwavering justice, righteousness, and straightforwardness. This divine character is the basis for His actions.
  • Divine Instruction and Guidance: Because God is good and upright, He actively seeks to "teach" (Hebrew: Yarah, the root of 'Torah', meaning instruction or law). This isn't just about imparting knowledge, but actively guiding individuals on the correct "way" or path of life.
  • God's Grace Towards Sinners: Perhaps the most striking aspect is that God extends this teaching to "sinners" (Hebrew: Chatta'im), those who have missed the mark or transgressed. This demonstrates God's boundless patience and desire for all to find the right path, rather than only instructing the already righteous. It underscores His redemptive heart, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "good," Tov, conveys a sense of inherent moral excellence and beneficence. "Upright," Yashar, suggests that God is just and straightforward in all His dealings, without deviation or crookedness. The term "teach," Yarah, is significant as it implies pointing out the way, much like an arrow points to a target, emphasizing direct and clear guidance. The inclusion of "sinners" (Chatta'im) highlights God's universal compassion, not limiting His instruction to those who perceive themselves as perfect.

Practical Application

Psalm 25:8 offers immense encouragement. For anyone struggling with past mistakes or feeling lost, this verse assures that God, in His infinite goodness, is ready and willing to provide guidance. It reminds us that our worthiness is not a prerequisite for His instruction; rather, His character compels Him to teach even those who have erred. This calls us to humbly seek His direction, trusting that His ways are always ultimately for our good. It points to the truth that Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Way" that God teaches us, leading to truth and life.

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.

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • Psalms 32:8

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

  • Ephesians 1:17

    That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

  • Ephesians 1:18

    The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

  • Psalms 92:15

    To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.

  • John 6:44

    No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

  • John 6:45

    It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

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