In this strophe the security of the righteous is emphasized. Verse 23a means that it is the LORD who leads a person in the right way. The psalmist is not saying that, in fact, God guides all people in the way they should go, since it is quite evident that many do not accept God’s guidance. To avoid this possible misunderstanding, Bible en français courant translates “When a man’s conduct pleases him, the Lord enables him to go through life with confidence,” and New International Version has “If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.”

He establishes (verse 23b) means that God makes firm, gives security; New English Bible “holds him firm.”

Verse 24 can be translated “If they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand” (see New Jerusalem Bible).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .