Psalms 17:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David, in Psalms 17:4, articulates a foundational principle of his righteous life: his deliberate adherence to God's divine word as the sole safeguard against the corrupting influences and perilous courses of human wickedness. This verse, embedded within a fervent prayer for vindication, serves as David's declaration of integrity, asserting that his active obedience to "the word of thy lips" has empowered him to consistently shun the destructive "paths of the destroyer," thereby strengthening his appeal for God's protective intervention against his adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 17 is a fervent individual lament, a "prayer of an innocent sufferer," where David appeals directly to God for justice and deliverance from his enemies. The psalm opens with David's earnest plea for God to hear his righteous cause and examine his heart, declaring his blamelessness and integrity, specifically that his mouth has not transgressed ([Psalms 17:1-3](/psalms/17-1-3 "Psalms 17:1-3 - David's Plea for Justice and Integrity")). Verse 4 serves as a pivotal statement within this appeal, providing concrete evidence of his moral uprightness. It directly follows his assertion of blameless speech, linking his righteous conduct to his profound obedience to God's word. This declaration sets the stage for his subsequent contrast between his own uprightness and the wicked actions of his adversaries, thereby strengthening his petition for divine protection and vindication against those who relentlessly seek his ruin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As King of Israel, David's life was characterized by continuous struggles against both internal and external threats, making his existence a perpetual navigation of peril. In the ancient Near East, a monarch's righteousness was intrinsically linked to his ability to govern justly and secure divine favor, which, in turn, ensured the well-being and stability of his kingdom. David's prayer reflects a deeply ingrained cultural understanding that divine law and wisdom were the ultimate guides for moral conduct, societal order, and personal integrity. The "paths of the destroyer" would have resonated profoundly with David's lived experiences of betrayal, warfare, and the constant temptation to resort to human schemes, vengeance, or violence rather than relying on God's just intervention. His claim in this verse underscores a covenantal worldview where unwavering obedience to God's revealed will was the primary means of navigating a perilous world and maintaining a righteous standing before the Almighty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **supremacy and protective power of God's Word**. David attributes his preservation from evil not to his own strength or cunning, but to the active guidance and safeguarding effect of God's spoken commands. This resonates deeply with the wisdom tradition, which consistently portrays God's law as a source of life and protection, as vividly seen in [Proverbs 6:23](/proverbs/6-23 "Proverbs 6:23 - The Commandment as a Lamp and Light"). Secondly, it emphasizes **personal integrity and active obedience**. David's "I have kept [me from]" signifies a conscious, deliberate choice to align his actions with divine instruction, demonstrating that while God's word provides the guidance, human responsibility lies in heeding it. This theme of choosing the righteous path over the wicked is central to the entire book of Psalms, particularly foundational in [Psalms 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **divine vindication and justice**, as David's righteous conduct, founded upon God's word, forms the compelling basis of his appeal for God to intervene on his behalf against his destructive enemies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term signifies "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, it refers to God's direct, authoritative, and personal revelation—His commands, instructions, and divine utterances. It emphasizes the active, living power of God's spoken will, which is not merely abstract but has tangible effect and provides concrete guidance.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, this primitive root means "properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." David's use of this verb indicates a deliberate and active guarding of himself, a conscious effort to preserve his integrity and path by adhering to God's word. It implies vigilance, careful observance, and a proactive avoidance of danger.
* **Destroyer (Hebrew, _pᵉrîyts'_):** From H6530, this word describes someone "violent, i.e. a tyrant; destroyer, ravenous, robber." It refers to an individual or force that breaks forth, breaks down, or causes ruin and devastation. In the psalm, it primarily denotes David's human adversaries who seek his harm, but it carries the broader biblical connotation of any entity, human or spiritual, that seeks to corrupt, ruin, or bring about destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Concerning the works of men,"**: This introductory clause establishes the sphere of moral danger and temptation that David has successfully navigated. "Works of men" (Hebrew: *po'al adam*) refers to the actions, endeavors, and moral practices that originate from human will and wisdom, often characterized by unrighteousness, deceit, violence, and self-serving ambition, contrasting sharply with divine standards. David here distinguishes his conduct from the prevalent, often corrupt, ways of the world.
* **"by the word of thy lips"**: This phrase precisely identifies the means and authority by which David maintained his integrity. It signifies that God's direct, spoken commands, His revealed will, and His covenantal instructions were the authoritative guide and protective barrier for him. It underscores the active, living, and transformative power of God's word to shape character, direct choices, and provide a clear moral compass.
* **"I have kept [me from]"**: This is a powerful declaration of personal responsibility, active obedience, and divine enablement. David states that he has consciously and deliberately restrained himself, or been preserved, from succumbing to the corrupting "works of men." The verb "kept" (Hebrew: *shamar*) implies guarding, watching over, or preserving, suggesting David's active vigilance in protecting his path and integrity by diligently adhering to God's word.
* **"the paths of the destroyer."**: This concluding clause specifies the perilous outcome that David's adherence to God's word has enabled him to avoid. The "paths" are a potent metaphor for ways of life, courses of action, or destinies. The "destroyer" (Hebrew: *pᵉrîyts*) represents any force or individual—whether human adversaries, societal corruption, or spiritual evil—that brings ruin, chaos, moral decay, or spiritual death. David asserts that God's word has empowered him to steer clear of these dangerous, ruinous courses.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 17:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central to the verse, starkly setting "the works of men" against "the word of thy lips." This juxtaposition highlights the diametrically opposed sources of moral guidance and their respective outcomes, underscoring the divine standard by which David measures his conduct and from which he derives his integrity. The phrase "paths of the destroyer" is a powerful **metaphor**, portraying life as a journey with distinct, morally divergent routes. The "paths" symbolize ways of living, moral choices, and the inevitable consequences that follow, while the "destroyer" is a vivid **personification** of evil, whether human adversaries or spiritual forces, actively seeking to lead individuals astray and bring about ruin. This personification gives agency and tangibility to the destructive forces David seeks to avoid. Furthermore, within the psalm's broader structure as a prayer of an innocent sufferer, **apostrophe** is employed as David directly addresses God, making his declaration not merely a statement but a personal, heartfelt appeal for divine witness and vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 17:4 articulates a profound theological truth about the preserving and sanctifying power of God's revealed word in the life of the believer. It underscores the conviction that true righteousness, moral integrity, and spiritual safety are not found in human wisdom, self-reliance, or worldly strength, but in diligent, active adherence to divine instruction. This verse connects deeply with the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament, which consistently presents God's law as a lamp and a guide, illuminating the path of life and warning against the way of the wicked. David's experience becomes a timeless paradigm for all who seek to walk blamelessly before God, demonstrating that active engagement with and unwavering obedience to God's word is the primary defense against the moral and spiritual pitfalls of a fallen world, ensuring protection from those who seek to corrupt and destroy.

* [Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalms 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp to Our Feet")
* [Proverbs 4:14-15](/proverbs/4-14-15 "Proverbs 4:14-15 - Avoid the Path of the Wicked")
* [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life Through Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with competing ideologies, moral ambiguities, and pervasive destructive influences, Psalms 17:4 offers an enduring and vitally relevant principle for believers today. David's testimony serves as a powerful reminder that our primary defense and unerring guide against the "paths of the destroyer"—whether they manifest as societal pressures, personal temptations, deceptive philosophies, corrupting relationships, or the insidious schemes of spiritual adversaries—is the unwavering authority and transformative power of God's inspired Word. This verse calls us to a proactive, intentional, and deeply personal engagement with Scripture, not merely as an academic exercise or a collection of rules, but as a living, breathing, and dynamic guide for our daily choices and character formation. By immersing ourselves in God's commands, meditating on His precepts, and diligently applying His truths, we cultivate spiritual discernment, strengthen our moral compass, and equip ourselves to resist the allure and machinations of evil. It is a profound call to allow the Word of God to dwell richly within us, shaping our thoughts, purifying our motives, directing our words, and aligning our actions, thereby safeguarding our souls and directing our steps toward abundant life and enduring righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "works of men" or "paths of the destroyer"—such as societal norms, personal habits, or deceptive ideologies—do you find most challenging to avoid in your current context?**
* **How actively and intentionally are you engaging with "the word of thy lips" as a daily guide and protective force in your life, beyond mere casual reading?**
* **In what practical ways can you more deliberately "keep yourself from" destructive influences by relying on God's Word as your primary source of wisdom and strength?**
* **How does David's declaration of integrity and reliance on God's Word in this verse encourage and challenge your own pursuit of blamelessness and wholehearted obedience before God?**

### FAQ
**What does "works of men" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "Works of men" (Hebrew: *po'al adam*) in [Psalms 17:4](/psalms/17-4 "Psalms 17:4 - David's Righteous Path") refers broadly to the actions, practices, and ways of living that originate from human will, wisdom, and ambition, often in contrast to God's divine guidance and righteous standards. It encompasses human schemes, violence, deceit, self-serving endeavors, and all forms of unrighteous conduct that lead to moral decay, social disorder, and ultimately, spiritual or physical ruin. David is contrasting his own conduct, which is guided by God's word, with the corrupt and destructive ways prevalent in the world around him, highlighting his commitment to a divine standard.

**Who is "the destroyer" mentioned in this psalm?**

Answer: The term "destroyer" (Hebrew: *pᵉrîyts*) can have a multifaceted meaning, encompassing both human and spiritual dimensions. In the immediate context of [Psalms 17](/psalms/17 "Psalm 17 - A Prayer for Justice and Deliverance"), it primarily refers to David's human adversaries—wicked, violent individuals who seek to harm him and bring about his downfall. These are individuals who "break forth" or "break down" moral boundaries and societal order, causing chaos and ruin. However, biblically, the concept of a "destroyer" can also carry a broader spiritual connotation, pointing to the ultimate adversary, Satan, who is consistently depicted as one who seeks to "steal, kill, and destroy" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief's Purpose")). David's declaration suggests that God's word protects him from both the destructive forces of human wickedness and the spiritual snares of evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 17:4 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's declaration of keeping himself from the "paths of the destroyer" by "the word of thy lips" powerfully foreshadows the sinless life of the Son of God. While David, a righteous king, strove for integrity and often walked in obedience, he was still imperfect and prone to sin. Jesus, however, perfectly embodied unwavering obedience to the Father's word, not merely avoiding the "works of men" but actively fulfilling God's righteous will in every thought, word, and deed. He is the eternal [Word made flesh](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), and His entire earthly life was a living testament to the power of God's word to perfectly resist the temptations of the "destroyer," Satan, as demonstrated in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). Where humanity, including even the most righteous like David, often faltered, Christ walked a path of absolute purity and perfect obedience, becoming the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Jesus not only avoided the "paths of the destroyer" but utterly defeated the destroyer himself, breaking the power of death and the one who held it ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). For believers, our ability to walk in righteousness and avoid destructive paths is not found in our own strength or imperfect adherence to the law, but in our spiritual union with Christ, who is our righteousness ([1_corinthians/1-30](/1-corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")) and the living Word that continually guides and empowers us. He enables us by His indwelling Spirit to follow His example and walk in newness of life, having been delivered from the dominion of darkness and graciously transferred into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;