Psalms 27:11

Teach me thy way - Let me know the gracious designs of thy providence towards me, that my heart may submit to thy will.

And lead me in a plain path - In the path of righteousness, because of mine enemies, who watch for my halting.

Teach me thy way, O Lord - See the notes at Psalm 25:4-5.

And lead me in a plain path - Margin, "a way of plainness." That is, a straight or smooth path. In other words, he prayed that he might be enabled to act wisely and right; he desired that God would teach him what he should do.

Because of mine enemies - Margin, "those which observe me." The translation in the text expresses the true sense. The word which is used is derived from a verb that signifies "to twist; to twist together;" and then, to oppress; to treat as an enemy. Here it refers to those who would treat him harshly or cruelly; and he prays that God would show him how to act in view of the fact that he was surrounded by such foes. They were harsh and cruel; they sought to overcome him; they laid snares for him. He knew not how to act so as to escape from them, and he, therefore, pleads that God would instruct and guide him.

27:11 Because of - That I may neither fall into their hands by my folly, nor give them any occasion of triumphing over me.