Psalms 17:4

Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept [me from] the paths of the destroyer.

Concerning the works {H6468} of men {H120}, by the word {H1697} of thy lips {H8193} I have kept {H8104} me from the paths {H734} of the destroyer {H6530}.

As for what others do, by words from your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent;

As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.

Psalms 17:4 presents King David's declaration of his fidelity to God's divine guidance, asserting that he has successfully avoided corrupting influences and dangerous paths by adhering to God's word. This verse is part of a prayer where David appeals to God for vindication and protection from his enemies, highlighting his own righteous conduct as a basis for his plea.

Context

Psalm 17 is a fervent prayer of David, often referred to as a "prayer for justice" or "prayer of an innocent sufferer." David is facing powerful adversaries, whom he describes in vivid terms, and he appeals to God to hear his cry and deliver him. Throughout the psalm, David emphasizes his integrity and commitment to God's ways, contrasting his own conduct with the wickedness of his foes. Verse 4 specifically serves as a foundational claim of his uprightness, demonstrating his reliance on divine instruction rather than human schemes or destructive behaviors.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Protection: The core message is that adherence to God's word provides a powerful defense against the temptations and destructive influences of the world. David attributes his preservation not to his own strength, but to God's spoken instruction.
  • The Power of God's Word: This verse underscores the transformative and protective power of God's commands and teachings. It functions as a safeguard, directing believers away from perilous paths. This echoes the sentiment that God's word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
  • Personal Accountability and Choice: While guided by God's word, David still emphasizes his active choice: "I have kept [me from]." This highlights the human responsibility to listen, obey, and walk in the light of divine truth, thereby avoiding the "paths of the destroyer."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "word of thy lips" (Hebrew: davar siphteyka) emphasizes the direct and authoritative nature of God's commands. It's not merely a general principle but specific, revealed instruction. The term "destroyer" (Hebrew: parats, related to breaking forth or breaking down) can refer to various forms of destructive forces or individuals. It might signify violent, wicked men who cause ruin, or it can carry a broader spiritual connotation, referring to the ultimate adversary, Satan, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. David's claim is that God's word has protected him from these destructive influences, whether human or spiritual.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 17:4 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of God's Word. In a world full of competing ideologies, temptations, and destructive trends, actively engaging with and obeying biblical truth is our primary defense. By immersing ourselves in scripture, we gain discernment to avoid harmful paths, whether they are moral pitfalls, deceptive philosophies, or corrupting relationships. This verse encourages a proactive commitment to God's precepts as a means of divine protection and spiritual well-being. It's a call to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, guiding our steps and safeguarding our souls from the "destroyer's" schemes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 1 Peter 5:8

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
  • 1 Corinthians 3:3

    For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
  • Psalms 119:9

    ¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.
  • Psalms 119:11

    ¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
  • Ephesians 6:17

    And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
  • James 1:18

    Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
  • Proverbs 2:10

    ¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

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