Psalm 25:12 kjv
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
Psalm 25:12 nkjv
Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
Psalm 25:12 niv
Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
Psalm 25:12 esv
Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
Psalm 25:12 nlt
Who are those who fear the LORD?
He will show them the path they should choose.
Psalm 25 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 1:7 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom... | Fear of the Lord is foundational for knowledge. |
| Prov 9:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. | Fear of the Lord is foundational for wisdom. |
| Deut 5:29 | Oh that they had such a heart as to fear me and to keep all my commandments... | God desires His people to fear Him and obey. |
| Isa 48:17 | Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you... | God is the divine teacher. |
| Psa 32:8 | I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go... | God promises to instruct and guide. |
| Psa 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | God's Word provides guidance. |
| Josh 24:15 | But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. | Importance of making a conscious choice to follow God. |
| Matt 7:13-14 | Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide... that leads to destruction, and many who enter... | The path of life requires careful choosing. |
| Deut 30:19 | Choose life, that you and your offspring may live... | Exhortation to choose the right path for life. |
| Psa 111:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all... | Understanding comes from fearing the Lord. |
| John 14:26 | But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you... | The Holy Spirit teaches believers. |
| Psa 25:14 | The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. | Intimacy and covenant revelation for those who fear Him. |
| Job 28:28 | Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding. | Fearing the Lord is true wisdom and understanding. |
| Luke 11:28 | Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it! | Blessing comes from heeding God's word. |
| Isa 30:21 | And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it...” | God's voice guiding the path. |
| Phil 2:12-13 | Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you... | Humility and reverence in obedience; God empowers. |
| 1 Pet 1:17 | And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear... | Living in reverent fear before a righteous God. |
| Psa 16:11 | You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy... | God reveals the path leading to life and joy. |
| Psa 37:23 | The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way... | God directs the steps of the righteous. |
| Jer 6:16 | Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is... | Seek out and choose the right way. |
| Psa 1:1-2 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners... | The path of the righteous vs. the wicked. |
| Prov 2:6 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. | Wisdom and understanding originate from the Lord. |
Psalm 25 verses
Psalm 25 12 Meaning
Psalm 25:12 poses a rhetorical question, immediately answering it: The one who lives in reverential awe and humble obedience toward the Lord is the one whom God Himself will personally instruct. This divine instruction guides such a person in selecting the righteous and beneficial path for their life. It underscores a fundamental biblical principle: spiritual understanding and divine direction are blessings reserved for those who honor God.
Psalm 25 12 Context
Psalm 25 is an acrostic psalm (though some letters are missing or repeated) of David, presenting a prayer for guidance, protection, forgiveness, and deliverance from enemies. It expresses David’s dependence on God in times of trouble. The broader chapter context highlights God’s character as good, upright, and merciful (Psa 25:8), and His covenant faithfulness. The surrounding verses emphasize that God's ways are for those who keep His covenant (Psa 25:10) and that "the friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant" (Psa 25:14). Verse 12 thus stands as a core principle for receiving divine guidance within a plea for restoration and instruction amidst life’s difficulties. Historically, in ancient Israel, discerning God's will and walking in His "ways" (referring to ethical and moral conduct in accordance with the Law) was central to covenant life. This verse reinforces the wisdom tradition that elevates the "fear of the Lord" as the pathway to true knowledge and discernment, indirectly contrasting reliance on human counsel or pagan divinatory practices prevalent in the broader ancient Near East.
Psalm 25 12 Word analysis
- Who is the man: The Hebrew "מִי-זֶה הָאִישׁ" (mi-zeh ha-ish) is a rhetorical question designed to draw attention to a specific, unique type of individual. It implies a discernment, pointing to not just any person, but one identified by a defining characteristic. This question elevates the significance of the trait that follows.
- fears the Lord: The Hebrew is "יְרֵא יְהוָה" (yirei Yahweh).
- "יְרֵא" (yirei) comes from the root yara (ירא), which signifies more than mere terror. It embodies a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission towards God’s majestic power, holiness, and sovereignty. It implies a loving deference that prompts obedience and trust, recognizing God’s absolute authority and benevolence. This is the cornerstone of true wisdom and knowledge in biblical thought.
- "יְהוָה" (Yahweh) is the personal, covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, eternal nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The instruction comes directly from the faithful covenant God.
- Him will he instruct: The Hebrew "יוֹרֶנּוּ" (yorenu) comes from the root yarah (יָרָה), which is the source of the word Torah (instruction, law). It literally means "He will teach him," "He will point the way to him," or "He will guide him." It suggests an active, direct, and authoritative divine teaching, often akin to aiming an arrow towards a target – precise direction. This points to God Himself actively imparting knowledge and guidance.
- in the way: The Hebrew "בְּדֶרֶךְ" (b'derekh), from derekh (דרך), denotes a path, road, or course of action. Metaphorically, it refers to one's entire lifestyle, conduct, moral character, and overall direction in life. It emphasizes practical living and daily decisions.
- that he should choose: The Hebrew "יִבְחָר" (yivchar) comes from the root bachar (בחר), meaning to choose, select, or prefer. This highlights human agency and moral responsibility. God's instruction does not negate human choice but illuminates the correct or best choice. It's not a pre-determined path but guidance within a framework of choices, implying that the individual, enlightened by divine instruction, will wisely choose the right way rather than simply being forced onto it. It demonstrates God's respect for human free will, providing the clarity to make godly decisions.
Psalm 25 12 Bonus section
The "fear of the Lord" mentioned in this verse is often presented in Scripture as both a gift bestowed by God (Jer 32:40) and a command to be cultivated by humanity (Deut 10:12). This foundational concept resonates throughout biblical wisdom literature, positioning it as the beginning of all true knowledge and wisdom, providing clarity for moral discernment and guiding principles for living. In the New Covenant, this divine instruction is often mediated through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), who teaches, guides into all truth, and convicts, enabling believers to live in reverent submission to Christ and choose paths that glorify God. The ultimate fulfillment of walking in the "way" chosen by God is found in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), inviting His followers to walk in Him and by His Spirit.
Psalm 25 12 Commentary
Psalm 25:12 unveils a profound spiritual truth: God's guidance is inherently linked to one's posture before Him. It's not indiscriminate. The "man who fears the Lord" is the specific recipient of divine instruction. This fear is not terror, but a deep reverence, awe, and worshipful humility that translates into active trust and obedience. Because such an individual honors God above all else, placing Him at the center of their life and decisions, the Lord, in His goodness, actively takes on the role of their teacher and guide. This divine instruction ("yorenu") is comprehensive, directional, and purposeful, analogous to the precision of an archer guiding an arrow. It concerns "the way" or path of life—practical daily choices, moral conduct, and overall life direction. Importantly, while God instructs, the verse highlights human agency in that the instruction clarifies the way "that he should choose." This implies that humans retain responsibility for their choices, but God empowers them to select the righteous path by revealing it. Thus, the fear of the Lord is both the condition and the catalyst for receiving unerring wisdom that leads to life's true prosperity and alignment with God's will.