Psalms 25 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Ashamed — Disappointed of my hope.

Cause — Without any provocation of mine.

Teach — Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations.

Upright — Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners. Therefore — He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into the way of life and peace.

The meek — Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed and governed by him. Judgment — In the paths of judgment, in the right way.

Paths — All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are done in kindness and faithfulness to them.

For — Or, though (as this particle is often rendered) it be great. Possibly he speaks of his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. Great — Or, much or manifold. For the Hebrew word signifies both great and much.

Chuse — Which God appointeth.

At ease — Heb. in Good; in the possession and enjoyment of the true good. The land — Canaan; which was given as an earnest of the whole Covenant of Grace, and all its promises.

The secret — His love and favour, which is called his secret, Job 29:4; Proverbs 3:32, because it is known to none but him that enjoyeth it. Will shew — He will make them clearly to understand it, both its duties and its blessings; neither of which ungodly men rightly understand.

Pluck — He will deliver me out of all my troubles.

Soul — My life.

Israel — If thou wilt not help me, yet spare thy people who suffer for my sake, and in my sufferings.