The supreme importance of Divine interposition.
The main subject of these verses is the Divine teaching, help, and guidance. Men are ignorant and erring, and the supreme importance of Divine interposition is here recognized and unfolded.
I. THE PERSONS WHOM GOD ENLIGHTENS AND HELPS.
1. He instructs sinners. Shows them the right way, and helps them to walk in it. He helps his people, though they are sinners, and in spite of it (Psalms 25:8). The ground of this conduct is given—because he is good and righteous, or upright. It becomes his nature to act thus.
2. He leads the lowly or meek; or those who are lowly because of oppression. He leads them in righteousness; i.e. he gives to them, who do not oppose might with might, justice against their oppressors. The right is sure to triumph in the end.
3. He reveals himself to his faithful, obedient people. (Psalms 25:10.) Shows to them that all his ways are gracious and faithful. Human faithfulness discovers Divine faithfulness, and is the organ through which it is revealed.
4. He teaches them that fear him. (Psalms 25:12-14.) Only those who fear God are anxious to know the right path; and even God can teach only those who are anxious to find the way of life.
II. THE BENEFIT AND THE BLESSING OF DIVINE GUIDANCE.
1. He who feels guided by God is emboldened to cry for pardon for his sins. His argument for pardon is twofold. "For thy Name's sake," etc.; "For mine iniquity is great," etc. I shall sink under it unless it be pardoned.
2. He shall knew how to choose wisely his own way. (Psalms 25:12.) Acquires an inherent, constant wisdom, as the fruit of Divine teaching, and is raised above the power of changing human opinion.
3. He shall enjoy enduring prosperity (Psalms 25:13), and his seed by way of natural consequence. The path of righteousness is the only "way everlasting."
4. Only those who live and walk with God know his will. (Psalms 25:14.) "The secret of the Lord" is hidden from the eyes and hearts of the disobedient. God himself is hidden; but the secret of his love is further off still from their perceptions. God's "covenant" with man through Christ surpasses in glory all his former covenants with man.—S.