What does Psalm 25:14 mean?

The Lord draws those who fear Him into the close bonds of friendship, and He will share His covenant with them. The Bible presents every person with a choice. He or she must choose to serve the Lord or to disobey Him.

In his old age Joshua summoned the people of Israel together and reminded them of this choice. He challenged them to "fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods your fathers served beyond the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:14). Then Joshua called for a decision. He demanded, "Choose this day whom you will serve," declaring, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).

Jesus cited obedience to His commandments as the prerequisite to friendship with Him. He said, "You are my friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14). James 2:23 says, "'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God." Among other acts of obedience and faith, Abraham reverenced God so much that he willingly obeyed God's command to offer Isaac, his son whom God had promised would be Abraham's heir, on the altar (James 2:21–22; Genesis 22; Hebrews 11:17–19)). God stopped Abraham from killing Isaac and provided a ram as a sacrifice instead. It is a privilege to be called God's children, but only those who obey Him can be rightfully called His friends.