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What Should We Be Taught? Lessons from the Psalms

The Book of Psalms is filled with cries of the heart, expressions of longing, and deep prayers for divine guidance. One recurring theme in the Psalms is the psalmists’ desire to be taught by God. They understood that true wisdom and understanding come only from Him. Let’s explore the essential lessons the psalmists asked to be taught, which can serve as a guide for our own spiritual growth.

1. God’s Paths
In Psalm 25:4, the psalmist prays, “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.” There is a recognition that the path to righteousness, fulfillment, and peace can only be found by following God’s guidance. We too should seek to walk in God’s ways, trusting that He will direct our steps toward a life of purpose and joy.

2. Truth
The psalmist in Psalm 25:5 petitions, “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me.” To be led in truth means to be grounded in the realities of God’s Word, understanding who He is and how He wants us to live. It’s not enough to know truth intellectually; we must be taught to live according to it.

3. The Way of God
Psalm 25:9 speaks of the meek being taught the way of the Lord. “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” Here, the psalmist highlights humility as a necessary posture for receiving God’s direction. To be taught the way of God means to be shaped in character and integrity to reflect His holiness.

4. The Fear of the Lord
In Psalm 34:11, the psalmist declares, “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” The fear of the Lord is not about being scared, but about honoring, revering, and respecting God above all else. It’s a foundation for wisdom and righteousness.

5. Numbering Our Days Wisely
Psalm 90:12 offers a profound prayer: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Life is short, and the psalmist’s plea is that we would live with intentionality, recognizing the brevity of life and using each moment wisely for God’s purposes.

6. God’s Statutes
In Psalm 119, the psalmist repeatedly asks to be taught God’s statutes—His laws, commands, and principles. “Teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:12), “Teach me thy way, O Lord” (Psalm 119:33), “Teach me good judgment and knowledge” (Psalm 119:66). These are not just rules to follow but paths that lead to spiritual flourishing. Learning God’s statutes shapes our hearts and minds, aligning them with His will.

7. Good Judgment and Knowledge
Psalm 119:66 presents a prayer for divine discernment: “Teach me good judgment and knowledge.” True judgment isn’t merely about making decisions but about understanding God’s heart in every situation and acting in a way that honors Him. This wisdom enables us to navigate the complexities of life with clarity.

8. God’s Judgments
In Psalm 119:108, the psalmist pleads, “Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.” The judgments of God refer to His decisions and ways of administering justice. The psalmist desires an understanding of God’s just and righteous nature, a crucial lesson for anyone seeking to live a life that reflects God’s character.

9. To Do God’s Will
Finally, in Psalm 143:10, the psalmist prays, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” This plea encapsulates the essence of spiritual growth—learning to do God's will, not just in action but with the right heart and attitude.

Conclusion
The psalmists’ requests for teaching reveal deep desires for spiritual transformation. Whether it’s learning God’s paths, His truth, His will, or His statutes, the ultimate goal is to live in alignment with God's heart. Just as the psalmists sought to be taught, we too should seek divine wisdom and understanding in every area of our lives. May we echo their prayers and allow God to teach us, guide us, and shape us into the people He has called us to be.


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