Psalm 143:10

Commentary on Psalm 143:10

Text (KJV):
“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” — Psalm 143:10

1. Setting Psalm 143 in Its Biblical Context

Psalm 143 [i] is one of the seven traditional penitential psalms. David cries out from a place of deep distress, pursued by enemies and weighed down by his own frailty. The psalm moves through lament, confession, remembrance, petition, and trust. It is the prayer of a believer who knows he has no righteousness of his own and must rely entirely on the mercy of God.

Earlier in the psalm, David pleads:
Psalm 143:2 (KJV):
“And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.”
This is a profoundly Christian insight: no person can stand before God on the basis of personal righteousness. David’s hope rests in God’s mercy alone.

By the time we reach verse 10, David’s prayer has shifted from desperation to discipleship. He is not only asking for rescue; he is asking to be taught, shaped, and led.

2. Exegetical Reflection on Psalm 143:10

“Teach me to do thy will”

David does not ask merely for knowledge but for obedience. In Christian theology, this reflects the work of sanctification. The believer depends on God not only for salvation but also for the ongoing transformation of life.

This echoes earlier in the psalm:
Psalm 143:8 (KJV):
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”
David longs for God to shape his daily walk. The Christian life is not self-directed; it is God-taught and God-enabled.

“For thou art my God”

This is covenant language. David appeals to the relationship God has already established. He is not bargaining; he is resting in the truth that God has claimed him.

In Christian thought, this reflects the doctrine of adoption. God is not a distant deity but a Father who teaches his children.

“Thy spirit is good”

David acknowledges the character of God’s Spirit. The goodness of the Spirit assures the believer that God’s leading is trustworthy, gentle, and righteous.

This anticipates the fuller New Testament revelation of the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work. But even here, David knows that the Spirit of God is the source of moral renewal.

“Lead me into the land of uprightness”

The phrase “land of uprightness” can be understood as:

a place of moral integrity
a life aligned with God’s righteousness
a condition of spiritual stability after turmoil

David is asking not merely for relief from trouble but for restoration to a life that reflects God’s character.

This is consistent with the psalm’s closing plea:
Psalm 143:11 (KJV):
“Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.”
David’s hope is grounded in God’s righteousness, not his own.

3. Theological Teaching

A. Human inability and divine grace

Psalm 143 emphasises that no one can stand before God on personal merit. The believer must rely entirely on God’s mercy and instruction. This aligns with the Christian doctrines of total depravity and justification by grace alone.

B. Sanctification as Spirit-led obedience

David’s prayer is not passive. He desires to do God’s will, but he knows he cannot do it without divine teaching and leading. Sanctification is both commanded and gifted.

C. The goodness of God’s Spirit

David’s confidence rests in the character of God. The Spirit is good, and therefore his leading is good. This encourages believers to trust God’s guidance even when circumstances are unclear.

D. The covenant relationship

“Thou art my God” is a declaration of belonging. The believer’s obedience flows from relationship, not fear or self-effort.

4. Application to Modern Christian Living

1. Pray for obedience, not just outcomes

David does not only ask for deliverance; he asks to be taught. Modern believers often pray for changed circumstances but forget to pray for changed hearts.

2. Trust the goodness of the Spirit

In seasons of confusion, grief, or moral struggle, Christians can rest in the truth that the Spirit of God is good and will not mislead them.

3. Embrace the daily discipline of being taught

David’s prayer assumes humility. Christians today grow through Scripture, prayer, worship, and the fellowship of the church. Obedience is learned, not assumed.

4. Remember that righteousness is relational

“Thou art my God” reminds believers that obedience flows from belonging. The Christian life is not a performance but a response to grace.

5. Seek uprightness in every sphere of life

The “land of uprightness” includes:

personal integrity
ethical behaviour at work
compassion in relationships
justice in community life
holiness in private thought

God’s leading touches every part of life.

5. Meditation Guide

A. Read Psalm 143 slowly

Pay attention to the movement from distress to trust.

143 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

11 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

B. Reflect on verse 10 phrase by phrase

Teach me…
to do thy will…
for thou art my God…
thy spirit is good…
lead me…
into the land of uprightness.

Ask God to make each phrase true in your life.

C. Pray honestly about your own inability

Confess where you struggle to obey. Ask God to teach you.

D. Rest in the goodness of the Spirit

Spend time in quiet trust, acknowledging that God’s leading is always good.

E. Commit to one concrete act of obedience today

Let the psalm shape your actions, not just your thoughts.

[i] Psalm 143

King James Version