John Calvin Commentary Psalms 27:11

"Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; And lead me in a plain path, Because of mine enemies." — Psalms 27:11 (ASV)

Teach me your way, O Jehovah! Many think that David here requests that God would guide him by his Spirit, so that he would not surpass his enemies in acting violently and wickedly. This doctrine is, no doubt, very useful, but it does not seem to agree with the scope of the passage.

It is a simpler interpretation, in my opinion, to consider that David desires—in order to escape the snares and violence of his enemies—that God would extend his hand to him and safely guide him, so as to bring his affairs to a successful conclusion. He contrasts the right path with the difficulties and obstacles in rough and inaccessible places, which he was unable to overcome unless God took on the role of a guide to lead him.

But anyone who thus desires to commit himself to God's safeguard and protection must first renounce crafty and wicked schemes. We must not expect that God, who promises to grant a successful outcome only to the single in heart and those who trust in his faithfulness, will bless devious and wicked plans.