Psalms 25:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:8 beautifully encapsulates the unchanging and benevolent character of God, declaring Him to be both "good" and "upright." This foundational truth about His nature serves as the unwavering basis for His gracious and active commitment to instruct and guide all people, even those who have strayed from His path, into the way of righteousness and life. The verse offers profound comfort and assurance that God's desire is always for humanity's restoration and flourishing, stemming directly from who He is.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 25 is a deeply personal prayer of David, structured as an acrostic psalm (though some letters are missing in the Masoretic Text). The immediate verses surrounding verse 8 reveal David's earnest plea for divine guidance and forgiveness. In [Psalms 25:4](/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4 - David's Plea for Guidance"), David implores, "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths," and in [Psalms 25:5](/psalms/25-5 "Psalm 25:5 - Seeking God's Truth"), he continues, "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." This fervent request for instruction naturally leads into the theological assertion of verse 8, which provides the very reason God *will* teach: because He is inherently good and upright. The subsequent verses, like [Psalms 25:9](/psalms/25-9 "Psalm 25:9 - God Guides the Humble"), further elaborate on *who* God teaches ("the meek") and *what* He teaches ("his way," "his judgment"), demonstrating the practical outworking of His character. The entire psalm is a testament to humble dependence on God for deliverance from enemies, forgiveness of sins, and wisdom in life's journey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, likely during a period of distress, accusation, or personal sin (as suggested by pleas for forgiveness in [Psalms 25:7](/psalms/25-7 "Psalm 25:7 - Forgetting Youthful Sins")), this psalm reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of God as both sovereign King and covenant Lord. In the ancient Near East, kings and deities were often seen as capricious or demanding. However, the God of Israel, Yahweh, is consistently portrayed as righteous, just, and merciful. The concept of "the way" (Hebrew: _derekh_) was a pervasive metaphor in Israelite thought, signifying one's conduct, moral character, and overall life path. To be "taught in the way" by God meant receiving divine instruction for living righteously, navigating ethical dilemmas, and maintaining covenant faithfulness. This was not merely intellectual knowledge but practical wisdom for daily life, often delivered through the **Torah** (God's instruction/law), prophets, and the wisdom tradition. The idea of God teaching "sinners" would have been particularly striking, as it highlighted His grace beyond strict legalistic retribution, emphasizing His redemptive heart for His people.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 25:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Character of God**, portraying Him as the ultimate source of all goodness and righteousness, whose actions are always consistent with His perfect nature. This theme is foundational to all of [the Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs and Prayers of Israel"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Instruction and Guidance**, emphasizing God's active role in leading His people. This concept is central to the Old Testament, where God repeatedly reveals His will and laws to guide Israel, as seen throughout [the Pentateuch](/genesis/1 "The Pentateuch - Genesis to Deuteronomy"). Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse reveals God's **Grace and Mercy towards Sinners**. It challenges the notion that God only interacts with the perfectly righteous, instead asserting His willingness to extend teaching and guidance even to those who have strayed, demonstrating His redemptive love and desire for all to return to Him, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Sins Like Scarlet") and [Ezekiel 18:23](/ekiel/18-23 "Ezekiel 18:23 - God's Desire for Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** This word signifies not merely moral excellence but also inherent beneficence, pleasantness, and suitability. When applied to God, it speaks of His benevolent disposition, His kindness, and His desire for the well-being and flourishing of His creation. It implies that God's nature is intrinsically oriented towards what is beneficial and life-affirming. His goodness is the wellspring from which all His gracious acts flow.
* **Upright (Hebrew, _yāšār_):** This term denotes straightness, rectitude, and moral integrity. It describes God as one who is perfectly just, righteous, and straightforward in all His dealings, without deviation, crookedness, or partiality. He acts according to perfect justice and truth, ensuring that His judgments and instructions are always fair and reliable. This attribute assures the psalmist (and us) that God's guidance is trustworthy and leads to the correct path.
* **Teach (Hebrew, _yārāh_):** The root of this verb is significant, as it is the same root from which the word "Torah" (instruction, law) derives. It means "to throw," "to cast," or "to point out," much like an archer points an arrow towards a target. In the context of divine instruction, it implies direct, clear, and purposeful guidance. God doesn't merely present options; He actively shows the way, indicating the precise path one should take. This teaching is not passive but an active, intentional act of leading.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Good and upright [is] the LORD:"** This opening clause establishes the foundational premise for the entire verse. It is a declarative statement about the immutable character of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. His goodness (benevolence, kindness) and uprightness (justice, righteousness, integrity) are not acquired traits but inherent aspects of His divine being. This declaration serves as the bedrock of trust and confidence for anyone seeking His guidance.
* **"therefore will he teach sinners in the way."** The conjunction "therefore" (Hebrew: _ʿal-kēn_) creates a direct causal link between God's character and His action. Because He is good and upright, it is His very nature to instruct. The surprising and profoundly gracious aspect is that this instruction is extended to "sinners" (Hebrew: _ḥaṭṭāʾîm_), those who have missed the mark, deviated from God's standards, or transgressed His law. This highlights God's boundless patience and redemptive heart, demonstrating that His desire is not to condemn but to restore. He teaches them "in the way" (Hebrew: _ba-derekh_), referring to the right path, the correct course of life, which leads to righteousness, peace, and flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Assertion** is prominent in the opening declaration, "Good and upright is the LORD," which functions as an undeniable theological truth upon which the subsequent action is based. The use of **Cause and Effect** is central, explicitly linking God's character ("Good and upright") to His action ("therefore will he teach"). This logical connection underscores the reliability and consistency of God's nature. The phrase "the way" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, representing not just a physical path but the entire course of one's life, encompassing moral conduct, spiritual direction, and destiny. The inclusion of "sinners" creates a striking **Contrast** with God's perfect goodness and uprightness, highlighting the immense **Grace** of God who extends His teaching even to those who are undeserving, rather than only to the righteous. This contrast emphasizes the redemptive and inclusive nature of God's instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 25:8 provides a profound theological insight into the very nature of God and His disposition towards humanity. It asserts that God's willingness to guide and instruct, even those who have erred, stems not from our merit but from His inherent character of goodness and uprightness. This truth underpins the entire biblical narrative of salvation, demonstrating that God's initiative in seeking out and restoring humanity is rooted in His unwavering love and justice. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but actively engaged in the moral and spiritual formation of His creation, desiring all to walk in paths of righteousness. This verse thus serves as a powerful testament to God's redemptive heart, showing that His justice is not merely punitive but also restorative, always aiming to lead His people back to Himself.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Compassion and Justice")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")
* [Titus 2:11-12](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11-12 - God's Grace Teaches Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 25:8 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for every believer. It dismantles the misconception that God's instruction is reserved only for the flawless or the already righteous. Instead, it declares that His character compels Him to reach out to "sinners," which, in truth, encompasses all of us. This verse invites us to approach God with humility and honesty about our imperfections, knowing that His goodness and uprightness guarantee His willingness to teach us "in the way." It encourages us to actively seek His guidance through prayer, the study of His Word, and listening to the Holy Spirit, trusting that His path is always the best path, leading to true life and freedom. For those burdened by past mistakes or feeling lost, this verse is a beacon of hope, reminding us that God's grace extends to our deepest needs, always offering a way back to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's inherent "goodness" and "uprightness" impact your trust in His guidance, especially when His ways are unclear or challenging?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel like a "sinner" needing God's instruction "in the way"?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally seek God's teaching and guidance for your life?**

### FAQ
**Does "sinners" in this verse refer only to particularly wicked people, or does it include all who fall short of God's standard?**

Answer: While the term "sinners" (Hebrew: _ḥaṭṭāʾîm_) can sometimes refer to those who are notoriously wicked or rebellious, in the broader biblical context and particularly in the Psalms, it often encompasses all humanity. The Bible consistently teaches that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Therefore, in Psalms 25:8, "sinners" should be understood inclusively, referring to anyone who has missed God's mark or strayed from His righteous path. His goodness compels Him to teach all who are in need of His direction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's "goodness" and "uprightness" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), perfectly revealing the Father's character. As the divine Teacher, Jesus came specifically to "teach sinners in the way," echoing the very promise of this psalm. He declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The Life")), making explicit the path to God that the Old Testament only hinted at. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently sought out and ministered to "sinners," eating with them ([Mark 2:15-17](/mark/2-15 "Mark 2:15-17 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")), forgiving them ([Luke 7:47-50](/luke/7-47 "Luke 7:47-50 - Jesus Forgives a Sinful Woman")), and calling them to repentance and new life ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for sinners to not only be taught but to be reconciled to God. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate "way" back to fellowship with a good and upright God, fulfilling the psalmist's hope for divine guidance and restoration for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.