The God Who Teaches Sinners

Psalm 25:1–14 (15–21)

Exposition
To be human is to be confused—especially when it comes to navigating right from wrong, shame from guilt, and past regrets from future hope. Psalm 25 meets us in that moral fog. It is the prayer of a person who knows both his own sin and his Savior’s mercy.

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord… lead me in your truth and teach me.” (vv.4–5) But what makes this psalm so tender is verse 8: “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.” God doesn’t wait until we have our act together. He teaches sinners. He leads the humble. He guides the lost.

David doesn’t pretend to be clean. He asks for pardon, for help, for wisdom. He knows his failures. But he also knows God’s steadfast love—and that is the bedrock of his hope.

Application
You do not need to be flawless to be led by God. You just need to be humble. That means beginning the day with prayer, not performance. It means listening, not proving. And when you fail, it means returning—not running away.
Ask the Lord to teach you. His classroom includes Scripture, community, and even your mistakes. He is not ashamed to teach those who fear Him—and who stumble toward Him.

Transform Our Heart Through Prayer
Good and upright Lord, teach us your ways. We confess our sin, but we cling to your mercy. Make us students of your heart. Help us walk in humility, forgive our failures, and trust in your steadfast love.
 Amen.