4 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
That G1519 he G980 no longer G3371 should live G980 the rest G1954 of his time G5550 in G1722 the flesh G4561 to the lusts G1939 of men, G444 but G235 to the will G2307 of God. G2316 For G1063 the time G5550 past G3928 of our life G979 may suffice G713 us G2254 to have wrought G2716 the will G2307 of the Gentiles, G1484 when we walked G4198 in G1722 lasciviousness, G766 lusts, G1939 excess of wine, G3632 revellings, G2970 banquetings, G4224 and G2532 abominable G111 idolatries: G1495
When wisdom H2451 entereth H935 into thine heart, H3820 and knowledge H1847 is pleasant H5276 unto thy soul; H5315 Discretion H4209 shall preserve H8104 thee, understanding H8394 shall keep H5341 thee: To deliver H5337 thee from the way H1870 of the evil H7451 man, from the man H376 that speaketh H1696 froward things; H8419 Who leave H5800 the paths H734 of uprightness, H3476 to walk H3212 in the ways H1870 of darkness; H2822 Who rejoice H8056 to do H6213 evil, H7451 and delight H1523 in the frowardness H8419 of the wicked; H7451 Whose ways H734 are crooked, H6141 and they froward H3868 in their paths: H4570
BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man H5288 cleanse H2135 his way? H734 by taking heed H8104 thereto according to thy word. H1697 With my whole heart H3820 have I sought H1875 thee: O let me not wander H7686 from thy commandments. H4687 Thy word H565 have I hid H6845 in mine heart, H3820 that I might not sin H2398 against thee.
[[To the chief Musician, H5329 A Psalm of David.]] H1732 The fool H5036 hath said H559 in his heart, H3820 There is no God. H430 They are corrupt, H7843 they have done abominable H8581 works, H5949 there is none that doeth H6213 good. H2896 The LORD H3068 looked down H8259 from heaven H8064 upon the children H1121 of men, H120 to see H7200 if there H3426 were any that did understand, H7919 and seek H1875 God. H430 They are all gone aside, H5493 they are all together H3162 become filthy: H444 there is none that doeth H6213 good, H2896 no, not one. H259
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 17
Commentary on Psalms 17 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 17
Ps 17:1-15. This Psalm is termed a prayer because the language of petition is predominant. With a just cause, sincerely presented, the writer prays for a just decision and help and protection. Pleading former mercies as a ground of hope, he urges his prayer in view of the malice, pride, rapacity, and selfishness of his foes, whose character is contrasted with his pious devotion and delight in God's favor.
2. sentence—acquitting judgment.
from thy presence—Thy tribunal.
things that are equal—just and right, do Thou regard.
3. proved … visited … tried—His character was most rigidly tested, at all times, and by all methods, affliction and others (Ps 7:10).
purposed that, &c.—or, my mouth does not exceed my purpose; I am sincere.
4. works of men—sinful practices.
by the word of thy lips—as a guide (Ps 119:9, 11, 95).
destroyer—violent man.
5. May be read as an assertion "my steps or goings have held on to Thy paths."
6. wilt hear me—that is, graciously (Ps 3:4).
7. Show—set apart as special and eminent (Ex 8:18; Ps 4:3).
thy right hand—for Thy power.
8. Similar figures, denoting the preciousness of God's people in His sight, in De 32:10, 11; Mt 23:37.
9. compass me—(compare Ps 118:10-12).
10. enclosed … fat—are become proud in prosperity, and insolent to God (De 32:15; Ps 73:7).
11. They pursue us as beasts tracking their prey.
12. The figure made more special by that of a lion lurking.
13-15. disappoint—literally, "come before," or, "encounter him." Supply "with" before "sword" (Ps 17:13), and "hand" (Ps 17:14). These denote God's power.
14. men … world—all men of this present time. They appear, by fulness of bread and large families, to be prosperous; but (Ps 17:15) he implies this will be transient, contrasting his better portion in a joyful union with God hereafter.