Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Psalm 25 Devotional

Taught by a Forgiving God

“Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.”Psalm 25:8 (BSB)

Direction and pardon: David needs both, and he asks for both. David lifts his soul to the LORD and asks to be shown God's ways and taught his paths (25:1-5). In the same breath he asks God to remember his compassion and loving devotion, and to forget the sins of his youth (25:6-7). Guidance and forgiveness belong together here, because the one asking for a map is also the one who has wandered.

The surprising logic comes in verse 8. Because the LORD is good and upright, he teaches sinners the way. His goodness does not keep sinners at arm's length; it is the reason he instructs them. David asks forgiveness for the sake of God's name, admitting that his guilt is great (25:11). He rests his case on who God is. And God goes further than pardon: he shares his counsel with those who revere him and makes his covenant known to them (25:14). The God you have wronged is the same God who offers to walk with you and show you the way.

To think about: What decision ahead of you could you bring to God as both a request for guidance and a fresh confession?

About Psalm 25: A Prayer for Guidance and Pardon

In a psalm arranged by the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, David trusts God and asks to be taught His ways. He pleads for forgiveness based on God's mercy and name, describes the friendship God gives those who revere Him, asks for rescue from many enemies, and ends by praying for all Israel.

Take the Psalm 25 quiz →Study notes

Get the next chapter and its devotional in your inbox each morning

One short email a day, no account needed. Stop anytime.