Psalm 17 4

Psalm 17:4 kjv

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

Psalm 17:4 nkjv

Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.

Psalm 17:4 niv

Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.

Psalm 17:4 esv

With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

Psalm 17:4 nlt

I have followed your commands,
which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

Psalm 17 verses

Psalm 17 4 Meaning

Psalm 17:4 articulates the psalmist's reliance on God's divine revelation as the means by which he maintains his moral purity and separates himself from the destructive influence and actions of wicked and violent people. It asserts that active adherence to God's spoken word, or commandments, safeguards an individual from partaking in or being overcome by the sinful and oppressive ways prevalent among humanity. This verse functions as a declaration of personal integrity, attributing the psalmist's blameless conduct not to his own strength, but to the preserving power and guidance of God’s precepts.

Psalm 17 4 Context

Psalm 17 is a fervent prayer of David, a psalm of individual lament and petition. The preceding verses establish David’s plea for God to hear him due to his blamelessness and integrity (Ps 17:1-3). He appeals to God as the "Savior of those who take refuge in your right hand" (Ps 17:7), underscoring his complete dependence on divine intervention. Verse 4 serves as part of David's self-vindication before God, stating how he has maintained his righteousness amidst a world rife with evil. It provides concrete evidence of his commitment to God’s ways, specifically in contrast to the prevalent unrighteousness of humanity and the outright violence of his enemies (who are depicted as lions eager to tear their prey, Ps 17:9-12). Historically, David's life was fraught with trials and temptations, from navigating King Saul's persecution to later confronting internal revolts and external threats. In this context, his declaration of adhering to God's word while avoiding violent ways is a profound testament to his faithfulness under pressure, highlighting a deliberate choice to operate according to divine principles rather than earthly expedience or retaliation.

Psalm 17 4 Word analysis

• As for the deeds of men (מִפְּעֻלּוֹת אָדָם - mi-p'ullot adam):
  • מִפְּעֻלּוֹת (mi-p'ullot): "from the deeds/actions of." The Hebrew noun פְּעֻלָּה (p'ullah) signifies activity, work, or deeds. The prefix mi- (מִן) denotes "from," indicating a separation or departure. This phrase sets up a contrast; the psalmist's behavior is distinct from the general run of human conduct. This implies that many human deeds are contrary to God's will.
  • אָדָם (adam): "man," often used collectively for humanity or mankind. It can refer to any human being, implying a broad scope of actions by ordinary people, which are often tainted by sin or self-interest, standing in stark contrast to righteous deeds.
  • Significance: This highlights the corrupt environment the psalmist exists in, emphasizing that most human actions, apart from God's influence, lead away from righteousness. It acknowledges the fallen nature of mankind and the pervasive nature of sin in human society.
• by the word (בִּדְבַר - bi-dvar):
  • בִּדְבַר (bi-dvar): "by the word of." The prefix bi- (בְּ) means "by," "through," or "in," signifying the instrumental cause. דָּבָר (davar) is a rich Hebrew term meaning "word," "speech," "thing," "matter," or "command." Here, it specifically points to God’s communicated instruction.
  • Significance: This is the crucial instrumental means. The psalmist's moral posture is not self-generated but enabled through God’s explicit communication. It underscores the active and directive nature of God's revealed truth.
• of your lips (שְׂפָתֶיךָ - s'phathekha):
  • שְׂפָתֶיךָ (s'phathekha): "Your lips" (from שָׂפָה saphah, "lip"). This anthropomorphism refers to God's verbal utterances or commandments. It points to divine pronouncements, revelations, or laws.
  • Significance: The use of "lips" indicates not merely abstract truth but expressed, tangible instructions from God, implying specific commandments or precepts given through covenant, prophets, or divinely inspired teaching. It suggests a personal, spoken quality to God's guidance, indicating its clarity and authority.
• I have kept myself (שָׁמַרְתִּי - shāmārttī):
  • שָׁמַרְתִּי (shāmārttī): "I have kept," "I have guarded," "I have preserved myself." This verb is in the Qal perfect first common singular, signifying a completed action by the psalmist. The Hebrew root שָׁמַר (shamar) means to watch, guard, keep, observe, or preserve. It often denotes a careful and deliberate observance of commandments.
  • Significance: This demonstrates the psalmist’s active role and conscious decision to follow God's word. It is not passive avoidance but a determined, self-disciplined adherence, reflecting a heart set on righteousness. While God's word provides the means, the individual's commitment is essential.
• from the paths (אָרְחוֹת - ʾorḥot):
  • אָרְחוֹת (ʾorḥot): "from the paths/ways of." The noun אֹרַח (ʾoraḥ) signifies a path or way, often used metaphorically for a course of life, conduct, or habitual actions. The mi- (מִן) prefix here again indicates separation or distance.
  • Significance: "Paths" denote consistent behavior patterns and lifestyles. The psalmist has not merely avoided specific wrong actions but has abstained from the entire trajectory or way of life associated with the violent.
• of the violent (פָּרִיץ - pārîṣ):
  • פָּרִיץ (pārîṣ): "the violent," "the lawless," "the ruthless," "the destroyer," "the brigand." This term, derived from the verb פָּרַץ (parats, to break forth, break through, breach), refers to individuals who act with unchecked force, breaking laws and conventions, often causing damage, oppression, or violence. They represent a distinct and dangerous category of wickedness.
  • Significance: These are not just any sinners, but those who embody active hostility and injustice. By avoiding their paths, the psalmist emphasizes his commitment to justice, peace, and order, as opposed to chaos and oppression, showcasing his moral separation from society's most dangerous elements. This term points to external adversaries and temptations to respond with violence.

Psalm 17 4 Bonus section

• The structure of this verse presents a striking parallelism by contrast: "deeds of men" (representing human fallenness and worldly ways) are contrasted with "word of your lips" (representing divine purity and guidance). Similarly, the "paths of the violent" (leading to destruction and injustice) are contrasted with the psalmist's active decision to "keep myself" from those paths, implying a righteous, separate path guided by God.
• The emphasis on "keeping" or "guarding oneself" highlights the need for active vigilance and intentional discipleship. It’s not passive receipt of information, but a diligent application and observance of God's word in practical life decisions. This proactive stance is essential for navigating temptation and societal pressure.
• In some scholarly discussions, "the word of your lips" is seen as a polemic against the "words" or counsel of wicked men, suggesting that while the wicked speak falsehoods and incite violence, God's word provides truth and guides away from such corruption.
• The precise wording bi-dvar s'phathekha ("by the word of your lips") is rich, indicating the powerful, creative, and authoritative nature of God’s speech, akin to His spoken word in creation (Gen 1) or His covenant pronouncements (Ex 20). It implies a source of authority and power enabling the keeping of the paths.
• This verse speaks to the enduring Christian principle of spiritual warfare not always being direct confrontation, but often through steadfast adherence to God's ways, thereby setting oneself apart from and resisting the spiritual forces of evil manifesting through human "violence" and ungodly "deeds."

Psalm 17 4 Commentary

Psalm 17:4 serves as a powerful declaration of reliance on God's revelation for personal moral purity and preservation amidst a corrupt world. The psalmist asserts that his integrity is not a product of self-strength but a direct result of actively obeying the "word of God's lips." This "word" represents divine instruction—the commandments, laws, and precepts communicated by God. In a society where the "deeds of men" are often flawed or outright evil, particularly those of the "violent" or oppressive, the psalmist consciously chose to deviate from popular sinful pathways. This verse is not just a claim of blamelessness, but an explanation of its source: a commitment to living by divine standards. It underlines that practical righteousness stems from adherence to God's revealed truth, acting as both a guide and a barrier against ungodly influence and temptation to retaliate or conform. It exemplifies how believers can navigate a morally challenging world by finding their compass and strength in God's spoken directives, thereby protecting their spiritual walk and ensuring they remain on paths of righteousness rather than destruction.