What does Psalm 17:5 mean?

David confidently proclaims that he has consistently followed God. Using common biblical symbols, such as that of a path, he declares that he has been obedient to God's will. Scripture uses the imagery of walking along a path as a parallel for obedience to God's will (Psalm 119:105). Those who obey God can see the safest, most correct way forward. Staying on that path prevents stumbles and failures (Proverbs 4:12, 26).

Although David wandered in the wilderness as Saul and his men pursued him, he never drifted from the Lord's paths. Following in the steps of the Lord Jesus is the mark of a faithful believer. Jesus announced in John 10:4, "When he [the sheep's Good Shepherd] has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." Peter writes: "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21). The Christian life involves following Jesus one step at a time. Sometimes He leads over rough ground, but His way is always the best way (John 16:33).