Psalms 25:4
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.Psalms 25:4
What does Psalms 25:4 mean?
David asks God directly to show him His ways and teach him His paths. It's a simple, humble request for guidance — acknowledging that David doesn't already know the way on his own.
Context
Psalm 25 is structured as an acrostic (each verse beginning with a successive Hebrew letter) and moves through themes of trust, guidance, forgiveness, and God's covenant faithfulness. Verse 4 opens a section specifically asking for guidance (vv.4-5), which flows into requests for mercy and forgiveness later in the psalm.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Bible study
- What does it mean to actively ask God to 'shew' and 'teach' His ways, rather than assuming you already know them?
- How does this verse's placement near requests for forgiveness (later in the psalm) shape its meaning?
- What decision or season in your life could use this same prayer for guidance?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
LORD, show me Your ways and teach me Your paths. I don't want to guess my way through — lead me directly. Amen.
Memorize this verse
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of psalm is Psalm 25?
It's an acrostic psalm, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, moving through themes of trust, guidance, and forgiveness.
How does this verse connect to the rest of Psalm 25?
It opens a section specifically requesting guidance (vv.4-5), which later flows into requests for mercy and forgiveness, tying guidance and grace closely together.