Psalm 25

vs 12

I think the question is rhetorical. Either that, or you're recognise them because God will instruct them in his ways. Which is a pretty cool promise.

vs 13

This is sounding very proverbs-y right now. But I guess in reality what it is is promise-y, as in God's promise to his people.

vs 14

It's not as though God keeps the details of his covenant hidden from people. In making the covenant known, though, I suppose he is also offering for you to sign up to it.

vs 15

What is the snare? No idea. Could be his enemies, could be his own sin. Whatever it is, though, David knows that only God can free him from it.

vs 16

Poor David. He did have times of great affliction, and of loneliness. To be able to turn to God in such times is a huge comfort, and not in a psychological crutch way either. You can't know it till you've been there.

vs 17

The troubles might not go away, but the anguish and pain and sorrow can. God can give joy even in the midst of trouble.

vs 18

Don't take away the affliction necessarily. The sins are the primary problem, and no doubt the root cause too. So David asks God to hit the problem where it hurts.

vs 19

We have nothing like the number of enemies anymore, do we? Although living a life in leadership and political influence helps.

vs 20

Don't just protect me because of who I am. Protect me because I am protected by you. It's not tautological. The honour of the protector is at stake.

vs 21

Integrity and uprightness protect not because of what they are in themselves (although proverbially they do do that too) but because God delights in the upright and the righteous. What does that mean for the rest of us?

vs 22

Is this just a toss in line at the end, for all of Israel? Or was David using the singular to call out on behalf of his people? He can do that. He is king, after all.