John Calvin Commentary Psalms 25:12

"What man is he that feareth Jehovah? Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose." — Psalms 25:12 (ASV)

Who is the man. By again recalling to his mind the character in which God manifests himself towards his servants, he derives new strength and courage. For we have said, that nothing more readily occurs than a relaxation in earnest and attentive prayer, unless it is sustained by the recollection of God’s promises.

There can, however, be no doubt that David both accuses himself and, by entertaining a better hope, takes encouragement to continue in the fear of God. In the first place, by intimating that men are destitute of right understanding and sound judgment because they do not yield themselves to be governed by God with reverence and fear, he imputes it to his own indolence that, by reason of the darkness of his mind, he had wandered so far astray after his own lusts. And yet, on the other hand, he promises himself the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, if he only yields himself wholly to God and shows that he is willing to learn.

Moreover, the interrogatory style of speaking, which he employs here, seems designed to show how few there are who fear God. For, although all men in general pray and manifest some appearance of piety, yet where is there one among so many who is really in earnest? Instead of this, almost all men indulge themselves in their own drowsiness. The fear of God, therefore, is very rare, and on this account the world, for the most part, continues destitute of the Spirit of counsel and wisdom.

Some interpreters render the word choose in the present tense, instead of the future, shall choose; as if it had been said, that God shows the way which he approves and in which he wishes men to walk. With this interpretation I cannot agree; for, in my judgment, the word choose rather refers to every individual, as if it had been said: Provided we are disposed to fear God, he will not be lacking on his part, but will always direct us by the Spirit of wisdom to choose the right way.

When we are called upon to adopt some particular course in life, we find ourselves, as it were, placed between two ways, and do not know which of them to follow. Indeed, in almost all our affairs we are held in suspense and doubt, unless God appears to show us the way.

David therefore says that although men do not know what is right and what they ought to choose, yet provided they submit to God with pious docility of mind and are willing to follow him, he will always manifest himself towards them as a sure and faithful guide.

However, since the fear of God is not naturally in us, it would be foolish for any man to argue from this passage that God does not begin to take care of men until, by their own previous efforts, they insinuate themselves into his favor, so that he may aid them in their pious endeavors.

David has just declared that this grace comes directly from God, when he says that God teaches the transgressors. And now he adds, in the second place, that after men have once been subdued and molded to meekness of spirit, God still takes them under his charge, guiding and directing them until they are able, by the illumination of the Holy Spirit, to know what is their duty.