Psalm 25:12-13
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The verse doesn't just say God will teach us, but that He'll teach us "in the way that he should choose." This isn't about God picking a path for us, but about guiding our own ability to discern and choose the right way, ensuring our choices align with His will.
Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes amidst David's prayer for guidance, acknowledging his sinfulness and need for God's help in navigating life's challenges. He's just pleaded for God's mercy and faithfulness, and now he shifts to a hopeful inquiry about who receives God's wisdom. The verses immediately following offer the blessings that accompany this divine instruction, like dwelling in security and having God's counsel.
Have you ever felt utterly lost, unsure of which path to take? This verse speaks directly to that longing, but first, it highlights something crucial: who is even ready to be guided?
More Than Just Fear
The verse starts with a rhetorical question: "Who is the man who fears the LORD?" This isn't about being scared of God in a cowering way. Instead, it points to a deep, reverent awe and respect for God's holiness, justice, and truth. It's recognizing who He is and, by contrast, seeing our own brokenness.
Think about it:
If we truly revere God, what happens next? This verse promises a remarkable response, offering divine direction for our lives.
God's Promise of Direction
The second part of the verse is a powerful promise: "Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose." This isn't a one-time lesson, but ongoing guidance.
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Let's break this down:
Essentially, when we fear God, we become teachable. Our focus shifts from self-reliance to God's wisdom, and He faithfully responds by illuminating the path He intends for us.
Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb/Adjective
A reverent, awe-filled submission to God. It involves a deep recognition of God’s majesty and holiness, resulting in a life of obedience and trust in Him.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The inner self or the totality of a person’s life, desires, and emotions. In this context, it represents the person’s vitality and essential being, which rests in God's provision.
tob · Hebrew Noun
A state of wholeness, peace, and prosperity, both physical and spiritual. It implies completeness and the absence of conflict in relationship with God and others.
erets · Hebrew Noun
Specifically refers to the Promised Land given to Abraham and his descendants. Theologically, it represents the inheritance of God’s promises and the place of His presence.
This passage speaks to the consequence of rejecting God's instruction, directly contrasting the promise of Psalm 25:12 by highlighting the outcome of those who ignore wisdom.
Isaiah 30:21This verse echoes Psalm 25:12 by stating that those who fear the Lord will hear His voice behind them, guiding them, which illuminates the nature of God's teaching.
John 14:26Jesus promises that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach believers all things and remind them of His words, directly correlating with the idea of God instructing those who fear Him.
Galatians 5:16This verse contrasts walking by the Spirit with fulfilling desires of the flesh, providing a framework for understanding the 'way' God instructs us to choose – a path aligned with His Spirit.
Hebrews 12:9This passage reminds believers that God is the Father of spirits and that He disciplines us for our good, underscoring that His instruction, even when difficult, is meant to guide us in His ways.
cambridgePsalms 25:12: "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."
12 . What man &c.] A rhetorical question, equivalent to whosoever . Cp. Psalm 34:12 . him shall he teach ] R.V., him shall he Instruct, as in Psalm 25:8 . in the way that he shall choose ] In the course of life which His Providence chooses for him: or, in the way that he should choose ; what course to take in circumstances of doubt or difficulty; or, in the way that he chooseth ; he chooses…
poolePsalms 25:12: "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."
What man is he, i.e. whosoever he be, whether Jew or Gentile, whether more innocent, or a greater sinner, which is my case. That he shall choose, i.e. which God appointeth or approveth. Or, which he , i.e. such person, should choose; for the future tense is oft put potentially, and so as to express a man’s duty, as Genesis 20:9 Malachi 1:6 2:7 .
The verse doesn't just say God will teach us, but that He'll teach us "in the way that he should choose." This isn't about God picking a path for us, but about guiding our own ability to discern and choose the right way, ensuring our choices align with His will.
This verse comes amidst David's prayer for guidance, acknowledging his sinfulness and need for God's help in navigating life's challenges. He's just pleaded for God's mercy and faithfulness, and now he shifts to a hopeful inquiry about who receives God's wisdom. The verses immediately following offer the blessings that accompany this divine instruction, like dwelling in security and having God's counsel.
This verse comes amidst David's prayer for guidance, acknowledging his sinfulness and need for God's help in navigating life's challenges. He's just pleaded for God's mercy and faithfulness, and now he shifts to a hopeful inquiry about who receives God's wisdom. The verses immediately following offer the blessings that accompany this divine instruction, like dwelling in security and having God's counsel.
"Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land." — The verse doesn't just say God will teach us, but that He'll teach us "in the way that he should choose." This isn't about God picking a path for us, but about guiding our own ability to discern…
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Last reviewed October 2026
