David
Psalm 25
A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
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.
Summary
Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm in which David lifts his soul to the LORD and prays for guidance, forgiveness, and deliverance. He trusts God not to let him be ashamed, asks to be shown God’s ways and taught His paths, and pleads for God to remember His tender mercies and not the sins of his youth. The psalm meditates on the goodness of the LORD, who teaches sinners and guides the meek, and on the intimacy granted to those who fear Him: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him." David closes with personal pleas for rescue from enemies and distress, and a corporate prayer for Israel’s redemption.
The major themes are guidance, mercy, forgiveness, trust, and deliverance. Practically, the psalm teaches that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of both knowledge and intimacy, and that honesty about sin opens the door to God’s mercy. The great lesson is that those who lift their soul to God will find Him a faithful guide and a willing forgiver.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 25
O LORD, to You I lift up my soul. I trust in You; let me not be ashamed. Show me Your ways and teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth, for You are the God of my salvation. Remember Your tender mercies and lovingkindnesses; remember not the sins of my youth, but for Your goodness’ sake remember me. Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. Teach me in the way You have chosen; let me dwell at ease and inherit Your promise. Keep my eyes ever toward You, and pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and have mercy, for I am desolate and afflicted. Keep my soul and deliver me; let integrity and uprightness preserve me. Redeem Your people out of all their troubles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What does it mean practically to "lift up my soul" to the LORD?
- 2Which sins of my youth or past do I need to bring to God for mercy?
- 3What is "the secret of the LORD," and how does the fear of the LORD lead to it?
- 4Where do I need God to "pluck my feet out of the net" today?
Related Psalms
Psalm 26
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A plea for vindication grounded in integrity and love for God’s house.
Read morePsalm 27
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Courage from seeking God’s presence and waiting patiently on Him.
Read morePsalm 31
“In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.”
Trust in God amid distress and betrayal, committing the spirit to Him.
Read morePsalm 34
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Taste and see that the Lord is good; near to the brokenhearted.
Read morePsalm 86
“Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.”
A prayer of David for mercy, unity of heart, and God’s great steadfast love.
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