Psalm 17:4 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: As for the works of mankind, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the ways of the violent.

CSB: Concerning what people do: by the words from your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

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

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

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

Here, David describes the efforts of human beings as violent. The Bible overflows with evidence of human violence. From Cain who killed his brother (Genesis 4:8) to the reign of terror in the tribulation period (Matthew 24:22) violence has marked and will mark man's downward path away from God. Of course, the epitome of evil violence occurred when sinful mankind crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8).

David testifies that he has avoided the ways of the violent by heeding God's Word. Psalm 119 points out that love for God's Word keeps a person from sin (Psalm 119:11), and later writes: "I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me" (Psalm 119:30). Obeying God and avoiding sin involves a choice, and David made the right choice. So did Joshua, who commanded Israel: "Choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). He added: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

A distinction should be made here between David's experience with combat (Psalm 144:1) and the "violence" he denounces here. This verse uses the Hebrew word pā'ris, which implies someone savage, animalistic, and uncontrolled (Ezekiel 18:10; Daniel 11:14; Isaiah 35:9). The modern English term "violence" is broad enough to include things like war or self-defense, but David's terminology refers to something more specific. Later in this psalm, David will again compare his enemies to predators (Psalm 17:11–12).

Psalm 17:1–5 begins David's prayer for deliverance. He asks God to intervene in a dangerous situation, pleading and making note of his own faithfulness to the Lord. David is confident that his life proves loyalty to God and obedience to His commands. This might have been written during David's time of persecution under king Saul.

Likely written when Saul was pursuing David in the wilderness, this records David's urgent plea for deliverance. He insists that he is in the right and free from deceit or evil. He proclaims God as a Savior and asks God to heed his cry and reveal His steadfast love to him. David addresses God as the Savior of those who seek refuge in Him from their enemies. Verse 8 uses two famous phrases describing God's tender care and love: "apple of the eye" and "shadow of your wings." Using a singular noun, David compares his enemy, likely Saul, to a ferocious, stealthy, bloodthirsty lion. Through these struggles, David looks forward to a blessed eternity of beholding God's face.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.