Psalms 107:17

¶ Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Fools {H191} because {H1870} of their transgression {H6588}, and because of their iniquities {H5771}, are afflicted {H6031}.

There were foolish people who suffered affliction because of their crimes and sins;

Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction.

Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Commentary

Psalm 107:17 serves as a stark reminder within a psalm primarily focused on God's steadfast love and deliverance. This verse highlights a specific category of suffering: that which arises directly from human misconduct and disobedience.

Context

Psalm 107 is a powerful psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's goodness and faithfulness to those in distress. It recounts several scenarios where people find themselves in dire straits—wandering in the wilderness, imprisoned, sick, or caught in storms—and upon crying out to the Lord, they are miraculously delivered. Verses 17-22 specifically address those who suffer due to their own sin. The psalm often highlights how those who cry out to the Lord in their trouble are delivered, even from self-inflicted wounds, emphasizing God's mercy and willingness to rescue repentant hearts.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Sin: The verse clearly links "transgression" and "iniquities" to "affliction." It teaches that actions have consequences, and departure from God's ways often leads to suffering, hardship, or distress. This is a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom.
  • Human Folly: The term "fools" here is not merely about a lack of intelligence, but a profound moral and spiritual blindness. It refers to those who actively choose a path contrary to God's wisdom and instruction, leading to self-destructive behavior. Their affliction is a natural outgrowth of their chosen rebellion.
  • Divine Justice and Discipline: While God is merciful, He is also just. This verse implicitly speaks to the principle that God allows or orchestrates consequences for sin, which can serve as a form of divine discipline, intended to bring about repentance and a return to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are significant:

  • "Fools" (Hebrew: 'evîlîm - אֱוִילִים): This word denotes someone who is morally perverse, stubbornly resistant to wisdom, and despises instruction, particularly God's. It's a deep-seated spiritual foolishness that leads to destructive choices.
  • "Transgression" (Hebrew: pesha' - פֶּשַׁע): Implies rebellion or revolt against a higher authority, a deliberate breaking of a covenant or law.
  • "Iniquities" (Hebrew: 'avonoteyhem - עֲוֹנֹתֵיהֶם): Refers to distorted or twisted actions, moral perversity, and the guilt that results from such actions. It speaks to the crookedness of one's character or deeds.

Reflection and Application

Psalm 107:17 serves as a powerful call to self-examination. When we face affliction, it prompts us to consider if our troubles stem from our own choices and deviations from God's path. This verse underscores the importance of living wisely, according to God's principles, to avoid self-inflicted pain. However, it is crucial to remember that the broader context of Psalm 107 immediately follows with God's deliverance for those who cry out to Him, even the "fools." This offers hope that even when suffering is due to our own sin, God's mercy and redemption are available upon repentance. This concept aligns with the broader biblical principle that the wages of sin is death, but also that God provides a way out through grace and forgiveness. It encourages believers to pursue wisdom and righteousness, knowing that while sin has consequences, God's grace is always greater for those who turn to Him.

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Cross-References

  • Lamentations 3:39

    Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?

  • Proverbs 1:22

    How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

  • Psalms 92:6

    A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

  • Isaiah 65:6

    Behold, [it is] written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,

  • Isaiah 65:7

    Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.

  • Numbers 21:5

    And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

  • Numbers 21:9

    And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
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