Psalms 25:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The meek {H6035} will he guide {H1869} in judgment {H4941}: and the meek {H6035} will he teach {H3925} his way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

leads the humble to do what is right and teaches the humble [to live] his way.

Berean Standard Bible

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

American Standard Version

The meek will he guide in justice; And the meek will he teach his way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 25:9 profoundly reveals God's character as a compassionate and active guide, emphasizing His commitment to instructing those who embody a spirit of humility and teachability. It declares that the Lord specifically directs the "meek" in matters of discernment and righteous living, simultaneously teaching them His divine path, thereby underscoring humility as the essential prerequisite for receiving and walking in God's perfect wisdom and will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is a deeply personal and earnest prayer of David, structured as an acrostic psalm (though not perfectly consistent in its Hebrew form), where the psalmist pours out his heart in a plea for divine guidance, forgiveness of sins, and protection from his adversaries. The psalm opens with David lifting his soul to the Lord, expressing his trust and desire not to be put to shame. He then transitions into a fervent request for God to show him His ways and teach him His paths, highlighting his dependence on divine instruction (e.g., [Psalm 25:4](/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4 - David's Prayer for Guidance")). Verse 9 fits seamlessly into this overarching theme of seeking divine wisdom and direction, specifically qualifying *who* receives such guidance—the humble and receptive. It builds upon the earlier requests for teaching and leads into further petitions for God's mercy and deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, a king who, despite his power, frequently demonstrated a profound reliance on God, Psalm 25:9 reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a king's role as a shepherd and judge, but ultimately under the supreme authority and guidance of God. The concept of "meek" (Hebrew: *‘anawim*) in ancient Israel often referred not merely to gentleness but to those who were humble, lowly, afflicted, or poor in spirit—those who recognized their utter dependence on God rather than on their own strength or societal standing. This contrasted sharply with the proud or self-sufficient, who were often seen as resisting God's will. Guidance in "judgment" (*mishpat*) was crucial for a righteous leader and for the community's adherence to the covenant, ensuring justice and moral order. "His way" (*derek*) encompassed God's moral law, His character, and the path of life He prescribed for His people, emphasizing a comprehensive divine instruction for living.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Psalm 25](/psalms/25 "Psalm 25 - A Prayer for Guidance and Forgiveness") and particularly verse 9 is **Divine Guidance for the Humble**. God's active role in leading and teaching is contingent upon a specific human disposition: meekness. This meekness is not a passive quality but an active posture of dependence on God, a willingness to submit to His will, and an openness to His instruction. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God "gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")). Another significant theme is **Meekness as a Prerequisite for Wisdom**. The verse explicitly links humility with the reception of God's wisdom, suggesting that pride obstructs divine revelation while a receptive heart invites it. This concept finds its pinnacle in Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, where He declares, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitudes - Blessed are the Meek")). Finally, the verse highlights **Comprehensive Instruction in "Judgment" and "His Way."** God promises to guide in "judgment" (discernment, righteous decisions, justice) and teach "His way" (His moral path, His character, His will). This encompasses both ethical conduct and spiritual direction, demonstrating God's holistic approach to guiding His people in every facet of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meek (Hebrew, _‘anawim'_):** This term (עֲנָוִים) carries a richer meaning than mere gentleness. It describes those who are humble, lowly, afflicted, or poor in spirit. Crucially, it signifies a profound dependence on God, an acknowledgment of one's own limitations, and a willingness to submit to His will. It stands in stark contrast to arrogance, self-reliance, or pride, which are seen as barriers to divine instruction.
* **Guide (Hebrew, _nahag'_):** The verb (נָהַג) means "to lead," "to drive," or "to conduct." It implies an active, intentional, and often protective direction. God is not merely offering advice but actively directing the path of the meek, ensuring they navigate life's complexities according to His righteous standards.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** This noun (מִשְׁפָּט) refers to justice, discernment, righteous decisions, or legal rulings. When God guides in "judgment," He is imparting the ability to make wise, equitable, and morally upright choices, aligning one's actions with divine justice and truth.
* **Teach (Hebrew, _lamad'_):** The verb (לָמַד) means "to instruct," "to cause to learn," or "to train." It denotes a process of education and formation, indicating that God is actively shaping the understanding and character of the meek.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This noun (דֶּרֶךְ) denotes a path, a course of life, or moral conduct. It refers to God's prescribed manner of living, His moral law, and His divine character, which He reveals to His humble followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The meek will he guide in judgment":** This clause establishes the specific recipients of God's guidance—those who are humble, submissive, and dependent on Him. God, in His sovereign goodness, actively directs these individuals. The guidance is specifically "in judgment," meaning in matters of discernment, justice, and making righteous decisions. This implies God equips the humble with the wisdom needed to navigate complex moral and ethical situations according to His divine standards.
* **"and the meek will he teach his way.":** The conjunction "and" links this second declaration, reinforcing and expanding upon the first. The repetition of "the meek" powerfully emphasizes that humility is the consistent prerequisite for both aspects of divine instruction. Here, God promises to "teach his way," which refers to His moral path, His character, and His will for their lives. This encompasses not just specific decisions but the entire course of one's life, ensuring that the humble walk in alignment with God's righteous and holy nature.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 25:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and the meek will he teach his way") reiterates and expands upon the truth presented in the first ("The meek will he guide in judgment"). This repetition of similar ideas using different phrasing serves to reinforce the central message of comprehensive divine instruction for the humble. **Repetition** of the phrase "the meek" within the single verse is also highly significant; it acts as an emphatic marker, underscoring the specific disposition required to receive God's favor and guidance. This rhetorical device ensures that the audience grasps the centrality of humility. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Personification** of God as an active, benevolent teacher and guide, directly engaging with and instructing His people, rather than being a distant or passive deity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 25:9 beautifully encapsulates a core biblical truth: God's character as good and upright is intrinsically linked to His method of guidance, which is primarily extended to those who recognize their dependence on Him. This verse highlights that humility is not merely a virtue but a necessary posture for receiving divine wisdom and direction. It underscores the theological principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, demonstrating His desire to lead those who are teachable into paths of righteousness and discernment. The guidance in "judgment" and "His way" speaks to God's comprehensive care, addressing both practical decision-making and the overall moral trajectory of a believer's life, all rooted in His unchanging character.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the Meek")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Gives Grace to the Humble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 25:9 serves as a profound invitation for believers to cultivate a spirit of genuine meekness and humility. In a world that often values self-assertion and independence, this verse reminds us that true wisdom and direction come from acknowledging our limitations and surrendering our will to God's perfect plan. To be "meek" is to be teachable, to be open to correction, and to prioritize God's voice above our own desires or worldly counsel. This means actively seeking His wisdom in every decision, big or small, through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and listening to the counsel of godly mentors. When we humble ourselves, we create the spiritual space for God to "guide in judgment" and "teach his way," leading us not just to make right choices, but to walk in a manner that honors Him and reflects His character. Our willingness to be led directly correlates with the depth of guidance we receive, transforming our lives into living testimonies of His wisdom and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "meekness" align with God's definition, and how can I cultivate this quality more deeply in my life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I seeking God's guidance and "judgment" today? Am I truly open to His direction, even when it challenges my own desires or preconceived notions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better learn "His way" and apply it to my daily decisions and interactions, demonstrating a truly teachable spirit?**

### FAQ
**What does "meek" truly mean in the biblical sense, and why is it so important for receiving God's guidance?**

Answer: In the biblical sense, particularly from the Hebrew *‘anawim* (עֲנָוִים), "meek" signifies much more than just gentleness or weakness. It describes someone who is humble, lowly, afflicted, or poor in spirit, characterized by a profound dependence on God and a willingness to submit to His will. It implies a recognition of one's own insufficiency and an active posture of receptivity to divine instruction. This quality is paramount for receiving God's guidance because pride, self-sufficiency, and arrogance inherently resist divine input, believing they know best. As [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Conversely, a meek spirit is open, teachable, and trusting, creating the necessary spiritual space for God to impart His wisdom and direct one's path. [1 Peter 5:5](/1_peter/5-5 "1 Peter 5:5 - Clothe Yourselves with Humility") reinforces this by stating, "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 25:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "meek" one, who perfectly embodied humility and dependence on the Father, declaring, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Gentle and Humble Heart")). As the Son, He perfectly demonstrated the "way" of God, not only teaching it but embodying it, proclaiming, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus became our wisdom and righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), enabling us, who are made meek by His Spirit, to be guided into all truth. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends, continues this divine guidance, leading believers into "judgment" and "His way," just as Jesus promised: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, in Christ, the promise of God guiding and teaching the meek is fully realized for all who believe, empowering them to walk in newness of life under His perfect direction ([Romans 8:14](/romans/8-14 "Romans 8:14 - Led by the Spirit")).

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

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalms 23:3

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Matthew 5:5

Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Galatians 5:23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: