Psalms 25

KJV · Chapter 25/150

1Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

4Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

6Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

8Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

12What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

14The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

15Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.

20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

📖 Chapter study

Summary

An acrostic psalm in which David asks God to teach him His ways, forgive the sins of his youth, and guide him in truth, expressing confidence even though he is surrounded by enemies and loneliness.

Explanation

This is an acrostic poem — each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (from aleph to tav) — a device used to aid memorization and to convey the idea of a 'complete' prayer, spanning the alphabet from beginning to end. The psalm blends requests for forgiveness, guidance, and protection, reflecting a mature spirituality that acknowledges past failures ('remember not the sins of my youth') while still trusting in the future. Today's application: humbly asking God for direction, including acknowledging old mistakes, is a healthy part of a life of faith.

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