Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
NIV · New International Version
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
WEB · World English Bible
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.
What does Psalms 32:8 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 32:8
I will instruct thee,.... Or "cause thee to understand" (q). These are by many thought to be the words of the Lord, who gives to a man an understanding of spiritual things; he instructs by his providence, and even by afflictive dispensations of providence; and by his word, which is written for the learning of men, and is profitable for doctrine and instruction in righteousness, and by the ministers of it, who are therefore called instructors in Christ; and by his Spirit, when he instructs effectually and to purpose; by him he instructs men in the knowledge of themselves, and of himself in Christ, and of peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation by Christ; and leads into all truth as it is…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 32:8–11
8. I will instruct thee, and teach thee. That his exhortation may have the greater force, the divine speaker directs his discourse to every man individually; for the doctrine which is spoken penetrates the mind more readily, when every man applies it particularly to himself. When the way of salvation is here shown to the children of God, the greatest care must be taken that no man depart from it in the slightest degree.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 32:5–11 (WEB)
5I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him. 7You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you. 9Don’t be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you. 10Many sorrows come to the wicked, but loving kindness shall surround him who trusts in the LORD. 11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!
Cross references
- Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.
- Psalms 33:18
- Psalms 25:8–10
- Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
- Proverbs 8:10–11
Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.
- Isaiah 49:10
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun strike them, for he who has mercy on them will lead them. He will guide them by springs of water.
- Proverbs 3:1
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
- Psalms 34:11