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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/5-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/19_Psa_005_008.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 5:8 - Give Ear to My Words" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/5-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/5-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/5-7.htm" title="Psalm 5:7">◄</a> Psalm 5:8 <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm" title="Psalm 5:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes; Make Your way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />O LORD, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes; Make Thy way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />O Yahweh, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes; Make Your way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight (direct, right) before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />LORD, lead me in your righteousness because of my adversaries; make your way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br /> LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my adversaries; make Your way straight before me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Lead me, O Jehovah, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Make thy way straight before my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You do what is right, and I ask you to guide me. Make your teaching clear because of my enemies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way plain before my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />O LORD, lead me in your righteousness because of those who spy on me. Make your way in front of me smooth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />LORD, I have so many enemies! Lead me to do your will; make your way plain for me to follow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />LORD, lead me in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your path straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />LORD, lead me in your righteousness because of those who wait to ambush me, remove the obstacles in the way in which you are guiding me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness, because of my enemies; make thy way straight before my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />O YHWH, lead me in Your righteousness, "" Because of those observing me, "" Make Your way straight before me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> O Jehovah, lead me in Thy righteousness, Because of those observing me, Make straight before me Thy way,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />O Jehovah, guide me into thy justice, for sake of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 5:9>Lord, lead me in your justice. Because of my enemies, direct my way in your sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />LORD, guide me in your justice because of my foes; make straight your way before me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Lead me, O LORD, in thy reverence and righteousness; and because of mine enemies, make thy way straight before my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />In your awe, lead me, LORD JEHOVAH, and in your righteousness straighten your road in front of me, because of my enemies<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />O LORD, lead me in Thy righteousness because of them that lie in wait for me; Make Thy way straight before my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make my way plain before thy face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/5-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=320" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/5.htm">Give Ear to My Words</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>But I will enter Your house by the abundance of Your loving devotion; in reverence I will bow down toward Your holy temple. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5148.htm" title="5148: nə·ḥê·nî (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- To lead, guide. A primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport.">Lead me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">O LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: ḇə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯe·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">in Your righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Prep) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">because of</a> <a href="/hebrew/8324.htm" title="8324: šō·wr·rāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- To be hostile. A primitive root; to be hostile.">my enemies;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3474.htm" title="3474: hō·šar (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To be smooth, straight, or right. A primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be right, pleasant, prosperous.">make straight</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: dar·ke·ḵā (N-csc:: 2ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">Your way</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nay (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-11.htm">Psalm 27:11</a></span><br />Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-4.htm">Psalm 25:4-5</a></span><br />Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a></span><br />And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/143-10.htm">Psalm 143:10</a></span><br />Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-3.htm">Psalm 23:3</a></span><br />He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a></span><br />A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a></span><br />I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-11.htm">Psalm 86:11</a></span><br />Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14</a></span><br />For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before my face.</p><p class="hdg">Lead</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/25-4.htm">Psalm 25:4,5</a></b></br> Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-11.htm">Psalm 86:11</a></b></br> Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-10.htm">Psalm 119:10,64</a></b></br> With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments… </p><p class="hdg">mine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-11.htm">Psalm 27:11</a></b></br> Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/54-5.htm">Psalm 54:5</a></b></br> He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/59-10.htm">Psalm 59:10</a></b></br> The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see <i>my desire</i> upon mine enemies.</p><p class="hdg">make</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/25-4.htm">Psalm 25:4</a></b></br> Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-11.htm">Psalm 27:11</a></b></br> Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25</a></b></br> Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/3-7.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/4-6.htm">Face</a> <a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Foes</a> <a href="/job/38-32.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/job/38-32.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/5-11.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/job/39-6.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/psalms/4-5.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/job/33-27.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/psalms/5-3.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/psalms/2-12.htm">Way</a> <a href="/job/40-19.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/6-7.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/9-3.htm">Face</a> <a href="/psalms/6-7.htm">Foes</a> <a href="/psalms/16-7.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/psalms/23-2.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Observing</a> <a href="/psalms/27-11.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/psalms/7-8.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/18-26.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/psalms/14-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/psalms/10-5.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/5-1.htm">David prays, and professes his study in prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/5-4.htm">God favors not the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/5-7.htm">David, professing his faith, prays to God to guide him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/5-10.htm">to destroy his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/5-11.htm">and to preserve the godly</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The psalmist seeks the LORD's leadership, emphasizing a dependence on God's righteousness rather than human wisdom. The concept of righteousness in the Hebrew context involves living in a way that is aligned with God's will and character. This request reflects a desire for a life that mirrors God's holiness, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a>, where God calls His people to be holy as He is holy. The psalmist's appeal for guidance is reminiscent of <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, which encourages trust in the LORD for direction.<p><b>because of my enemies</b><br>The presence of enemies highlights the psalmist's need for divine protection and guidance. In the historical context, David often faced adversaries, both external and internal, who threatened his reign and life. This phrase acknowledges the reality of opposition and the spiritual warfare believers face, as described in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>. The enemies could be literal foes or symbolic of spiritual challenges. The psalmist's reliance on God for deliverance is a recurring theme in the Psalms, reflecting the belief that God is a refuge and fortress (<a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a>).<p><b>make straight Your way before me</b><br>This request is for God to clear the path and remove obstacles, ensuring a direct and righteous journey. The imagery of a straight path is common in biblical literature, symbolizing a life lived in accordance with God's will. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3-4</a> speaks of preparing the way of the LORD, making straight paths, which is echoed in the ministry of John the Baptist as a forerunner to Christ (<a href="/matthew/3-3.htm">Matthew 3:3</a>). The straight path signifies moral clarity and divine favor, aligning with the promise in <a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a> that the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD. This phrase underscores the psalmist's trust in God's providential care and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, King David, is seeking guidance and protection from God amidst his adversaries.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, whom David calls upon for guidance and righteousness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>The adversaries or wicked people who oppose David, representing challenges and opposition in life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/righteousness.htm">Righteousness</a></b><br>The moral and ethical standard of God, which David seeks to be led in.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_way.htm">The Way</a></b><br>Symbolic of the path or direction in life that aligns with God's will and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_divine_guidance.htm">Seeking Divine Guidance</a></b><br>As believers, we should consistently seek God's guidance in our lives, especially when facing opposition or difficult decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/righteous_living.htm">Righteous Living</a></b><br>Our pursuit should be to live in God's righteousness, aligning our actions and decisions with His moral standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust that God is in control and will lead us on the right path, even when circumstances seem challenging.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_tool_for_direction.htm">Prayer as a Tool for Direction</a></b><br>Use prayer as a means to seek clarity and direction from God, just as David did.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/overcoming_adversity.htm">Overcoming Adversity</a></b><br>Recognize that God can guide us through adversities and use them to strengthen our faith and character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_23.htm">What is the meaning of Psalm 23?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_david's_faith_with_history.htm">How do we reconcile David’s confidence in divine intervention (Psalm 5:3, 8) with known historical conflicts where God’s protection was not apparent? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psalm_139_19-22_and_love_align.htm">Psalm 139:19-22: How do these verses endorsing hatred for the wicked align with other passages in the Bible that command love for one's enemies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_59_13_conflict_with_mercy.htm">Does the violent imagery in Psalm 59:13 conflict with the Bible's broader moral teachings on mercy and forgiveness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Enemies.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">those watching for, or lying in wait. </span>Aquila and Jerome both give "those lying in ambush." God's guidance and protection would enable the good man to avoid their snares, and to walk straight in the way of righteousness. To walk in God's way is to walk in safety.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness</span>. Here at last we find <span class="accented">what David prayed for.</span> Previously, we have only heard him entreat that his prayer may be heard (vers. 1, 2), declare that he will pray early (ver. 3), and before the tabernacle (ver. 7); now we learn what his prayer is. It is that God will lead him in the path of his righteousness - that righteousness of which he is the pattern, and whereof he approves; and will "make his way plain for him," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> show it him clearly, so that he cannot mistake it. God is asked to do this, especially because of David's enemies, or of "those that lie in wait for him" (Revised Version margin), lest, if he were to make a false step, they should triumph over him, and so he should bring discredit upon the cause of God and of his saints<span class="cmt_word">. Make thy way straight</span> (<span class="accented">plain</span>, Revised Version) <span class="cmt_word">before my face</span>. Not so much "smooth my way," or "make it level" or "easy," as "<span class="accented">put</span> it plainly before me" (scrap. <a href="/psalms/25-5.htm">Psalm 25:5</a>; and <a href="/psalms/27-11.htm">Psalm 27:11</a>, '"Teach me thy way, O <span class="accented">Lord</span>, <span class="accented">and lead me in a plain path</span>, because of mine enemies"). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/5-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Lead me,</span><br /><span class="heb">נְחֵ֬נִי</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḥê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5148.htm">Strong's 5148: </a> </span><span class="str2">To guide, to transport</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֤ה ׀</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Your righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">בְצִדְקָתֶ֗ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because of</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַ֥עַן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ma·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purpose -- intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my enemies;</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁוֹרְרָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(šō·wr·rāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8324.htm">Strong's 8324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be hostile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">make straight</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיְשַׁ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(hay·šar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your way</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּרְכֶּֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(dar·ke·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before me.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/5-8.htm">Psalm 5:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/5-8.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 5:8 Lead me Yahweh in your righteousness because (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/5-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 5:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 5:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/5-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 5:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 5:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>