Psalm 25 Bible Commentary

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

(Read all of Psalm 25)

Verse 2

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

Ashamed — Disappointed of my hope.

Verse 3

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

Cause — Without any provocation of mine.

Verse 4

[4] Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Teach — Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations.

Verse 8

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

Upright — Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners.

Therefore — He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into the way of life and peace.

Verse 9

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

The meek — Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed and governed by him.

Judgment — In the paths of judgment, in the right way.

Verse 10

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

Paths — All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are done in kindness and faithfulness to them.

Verse 11

[11] For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.

For — Or, though (as this particle is often rendered) it be great. Possibly he speaks of his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. Great - Or, much or manifold. For the Hebrew word signifies both great and much.

Verse 12

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

Chuse — Which God appointeth.

Verse 13

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

At ease — Heb. in Good; in the possession and enjoyment of the true good.

The land — Canaan; which was given as an earnest of the whole Covenant of Grace, and all its promises.

Verse 14

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

The secret — His love and favour, which is called his secret, Proverbs 3:32, because it is known to none but him that enjoyeth it.

Will shew — He will make them clearly to understand it, both its duties and its blessings; neither of which ungodly men rightly understand.

Verse 15

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

Pluck — He will deliver me out of all my troubles.

Verse 20

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

Soul — My life.

Verse 22

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

Israel — If thou wilt not help me, yet spare thy people who suffer for my sake, and in my sufferings.