Psalms 5:8

“Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, etc.] Not in mine, but thine; in the righteousness of God, which is revealed in the Gospel, from faith to faith, and is imputed by God, and received by faith; in this righteousness the psalmist desired to be led into the house of God, and appear before him; nor is there any other righteousness in which man can stand before God and worship. Or else the sense is, that God would lead him in the way of righteousness, in his righteous statutes, judgments, and ordinances; in which way the Lord does lead his people, (<192303>Psalm 23:3 <200820> Proverbs 8:20). Or that he would lead him for his righteousness’ sake; because of his faithfulness to his promises,…”

“enemies--literally, "watchers" (Psa 27:11), hence special need of guidance. in thy righteousness--an attribute implying faithfulness in promises as well as threatenings. make thy way straight--that is, make the way of providence plain.”

“Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness - That is, conduct me safely in the manifestation of the principles of justice or righteousness which belong to thy nature. David felt assured that his was a righteous cause, and that he might make his appeal to God on the ground of the justness of that cause. Such a ground of appeal is always proper when we are in danger or in trouble from the injustice of others, for we may always ask of God to interpose, and to cause that which is right to be done. Because of mine enemies - On account of my enemies, or in respect to them; that is, that they may not triumph, but that I may be vindicated and may be delivered from them. Make thy way straight before my…”

“Righteousness - In thy righteous laws. Because - That I may give them no occasion of slandering me, or religion for my sake. The way - The way wherein thou wouldst have to one walk. Plain - That I may clearly discern it, and readily walk in it. Psalms 5:9”

“5:8 God guides those who are obedient, submissive, and patient in waiting for him to lead, provide, and protect them (27:11; 43:3; 143:10), not those who expect God simply to endorse their own decisions. • Following the right path of wisdom leads to the Lord (27:11; 61:2; 139:24).”

“Lead: Psa 25:4, Psa 25:5, Psa 86:11, Psa 119:10, Psa 119:64, Psa 143:8-10; Pro 3:5, Pro 3:6 mine: Heb. those which observe me, Psa 27:11, Psa 54:5, Psa 59:10 \*marg. Sa2 12:14 make: Psa 25:4, Psa 27:11; Pro 4:25; Mat 3:3; Heb 12:13 Psalms 5:9”