Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 5:8

"Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Make thy way straight before my face." — Psalms 5:8 (ASV)

Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness - That is, conduct me safely in the manifestation of the principles of justice or righteousness which belong to your nature. David felt assured that his was a righteous cause, and that he might make his appeal to God on the ground of the justness of that cause. Such a ground of appeal is always proper when we are in danger or in trouble from the injustice of others, for we may always ask of God to interpose, and to cause that which is right to be done.

Because of mine enemies - On account of my enemies, or in respect to them; that is, that they may not triumph, but that I may be vindicated and may be delivered from them.

Make thy way straight before my face - The way in which you would have me to walk. That is, mark out or make plain before me the path for me to tread - the path in which you will deliver me. He was in perplexity, and knew not which way to go, and he looks up to God for guidance and direction.