Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day. (Psalm 25: 3-4)
Shame has lost much of its power in American culture. It is almost as if the public response that once brought shame now delivers celebrity.
In the psalms shame is greatly feared. There are many different forms of shame: humiliation, depression, dishonor, and more. The word used in the 25th Psalm is buwsh which can also mean confused or confounded. The sense of public embarrassment is much weaker in this word than in other forms of shame that might have been used. Rather, it seems to refer to private uncertainty.
The psalmist is asking to be shown the destination of God's truth. By seeing where truth is on the map of life confusion can be avoided, impediments passed by, and the paths of "love and faithfulness" followed.
Shame has lost much of its power in American culture. It is almost as if the public response that once brought shame now delivers celebrity.
In the psalms shame is greatly feared. There are many different forms of shame: humiliation, depression, dishonor, and more. The word used in the 25th Psalm is buwsh which can also mean confused or confounded. The sense of public embarrassment is much weaker in this word than in other forms of shame that might have been used. Rather, it seems to refer to private uncertainty.
The psalmist is asking to be shown the destination of God's truth. By seeing where truth is on the map of life confusion can be avoided, impediments passed by, and the paths of "love and faithfulness" followed.
posted by Didymus | 8:11 AM
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