Good and upright is the LORD;The declaration of God's goodness and uprightness is foundational to understanding His character. In the Hebrew context, "good" (טוֹב, tov) implies moral excellence and benevolence, while "upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar) suggests righteousness and integrity. This aligns with the consistent biblical portrayal of God as holy and just (
Isaiah 6:3,
Deuteronomy 32:4). The goodness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms, emphasizing His kindness and mercy (
Psalm 145:9). The uprightness of God assures believers of His fairness and justice, as seen in His dealings with Israel and the nations (
Psalm 9:8). This dual attribute of God is a comfort to the faithful, knowing that His actions are always in accordance with His perfect nature.
therefore He shows sinners the way.
The phrase indicates a direct consequence of God's character: His guidance to sinners. The Hebrew word for "shows" (יֹורֶה, yoreh) can also mean "to teach" or "to instruct," suggesting an active role in leading individuals towards righteousness. This reflects God's desire for repentance and restoration, as seen inEzekiel 18:23, where God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn from their ways and live. The "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) often symbolizes a path of life or conduct, aligning with the wisdom literature's emphasis on choosing the path of righteousness (Proverbs 3:6). This guidance is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), providing the ultimate path to reconciliation with God. The connection to Christ highlights the prophetic nature of the Psalms, pointing to the Messiah as the embodiment of God's guidance and salvation for sinners.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing God as both good and upright. His character is the foundation for His guidance.
2.
SinnersThose who have missed the mark of God's standards. The verse highlights God's willingness to guide them despite their shortcomings.
3.
The WaySymbolic of the path of righteousness and truth that God reveals to those who seek Him.
Teaching Points
God's Character as a GuideGod's goodness and uprightness are the basis for His guidance. We can trust His direction because it stems from His perfect nature.
Hope for SinnersNo matter our past, God is willing to guide us. His willingness to show sinners the way is a testament to His grace and mercy.
The Importance of Seeking God's PathActively seeking God's guidance is crucial. We must be open to His direction and willing to follow the path He reveals.
Trust in Divine WisdomTrusting in God's wisdom over our understanding is essential. His ways are higher than ours, and His guidance is always for our good.
Living UprightlyAs recipients of God's guidance, we are called to live uprightly, reflecting His character in our daily lives.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 25
Is God inherently self-centered?
Is only God truly good?
Proverbs 17:11 describes a “cruel messenger” sent against rebels. How can this align with the notion of a benevolent deity?
What does God expect from us?(8)"With recollections clear, august, sublime,
Of God's great Truth and Right immutable
She queened it o'er her weakness."--A. H. CLOUGH.
Verse 8. -
Good and upright is the Lord. A transition. From prayer the psalmist turns to reflection, and meditates awhile (vers. 8-10) on the character and ways of God. God is, indeed, "good," as he has implied in the preceding verse -
i.e., kind, tender, gentle, merciful; but he is also "upright" (
יָשָׁר) - just, straight, strict, undeviating from the path of right. As Bishop Butler observes, "Divine goodness, with which, if I mistake not, we make very free in our speculations, may not be a bare single disposition to produce happiness, but a disposition to make the good, the faithful, the honest man happy" ('Anal.,' 1:2, p. 41) - s disposition,
i.e., to be just as well as merciful to distribute happiness by the canon of right.
Therefore will he teach sinners in the way. He will not abandon sinners - this is his "goodness;" but will reclaim them, chasten them, make them to walk in his way - this is his uprightness.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Goodטוֹב־(ṭō·wḇ-)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodand uprightוְיָשָׁ֥ר(wə·yā·šār)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3477:Straight, right[is] the LORD;יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelthereforeעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstHe showsיוֹרֶ֖ה(yō·w·reh)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3384:To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teachsinnersחַטָּאִ֣ים(ḥaṭ·ṭā·’îm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2400:A criminal, one accounted guiltythe way.בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃(bad·dā·reḵ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of action
Links
Psalm 25:8 NIVPsalm 25:8 NLTPsalm 25:8 ESVPsalm 25:8 NASBPsalm 25:8 KJV
Psalm 25:8 BibleApps.comPsalm 25:8 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 25:8 Chinese BiblePsalm 25:8 French BiblePsalm 25:8 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 25:8 Good and upright is Yahweh therefore he (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
