Lead Me in Your Righteousness (Psalm 5)

1. Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.

Like in the earlier psalms we have considered, David is again crying out to his God for help. His heart is groaning which signifies extreme distress. We all have times like this, it is an inevitable part of human life, but what we do during those times of suffering is what counts.

2. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God for to you do I pray.

David's plea continues here in verse 2. From a human standpoint we have a tendency to doubt whether God really hears our prayers and groaning. In the midst of this doubt, David cries out to God that He would hear his cry.

3. O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice, in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

It is typical for David to contrast his emotions with his faith. In the previous verse he was crying out to God to pay attention to his cries and pleas for help. In this verse, he expresses his confidence that God does hear his voice every morning. This is the triumph of faith over emotions. Faith is above feelings and man's reasoning.

4. For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.

God does not delight in wickedness. David knew that innately he was a sinner and that he needed a sacrifice to dwell with God. This is why he says "I prepare a sacrifice for you in the morning." For a New Testament believer the sacrifice is already done through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have solid ground to stand upon, however we must take the utmost care to keep ourselves from sin each day.

5. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.

The one who is boastful about his achievements or self righteousness cannot stand before God.

6. You destroy those who speak lies, the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful men.

David expounds on the fact that God hates all evildoers. Can God hate his own creation? It seems like he does from this verse.

7. But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.

Here David contrasts himself with his enemies. They are boastful and full of pride while he is humble. However, note how David trusts in God's abundant and steadfast love to enter the House of God. What an apt description of God's love! Abundant and steadfast (unwavering).

8. Lead me, O Lord in your righteousness because of my enemies make your way straight before me.

David showcases the true mentality of a disciple, that is a desire to continue walking in the way of righteousness. He wants to know more of the way he should go, this is what it means when he says make your way straight. The straighter a road, the farther you can see and the more you can prepare for the journey. It does not mean, the way will be easy it only means that you have an idea of what is on the way.

9. For there is no truth in their mouth; their innermost self is destruction, their throat is an open grave they flatter with their tongue.

David's enemies were evidently liars and lusted for destruction and violence.

10. Make them bear their guilt, O God, let them fall by their own counsels;  because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you.

David makes no secret of his desire to see his enemies suffer. But was he right in doing so? In the new testament, Jesus teaches us to pray for our enemies and provide for them when they are hungry.

11. But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

David wants to see justice done. This is no different from most people, when they see injustice being done on themselves and other innocent people. In this world, justice might not be complete, but it will be in the next age. Each man will have to stand before the throne of God and give an account of his life. Justice will prevail in the end. This is a scary thought, but we who trust in Jesus and his sacrifice have nothing to fear. We have been declared righteous. Amen.

12. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

The righteous man is protected with God's favor.