Psalms 17:5

5 To uphold my goings in Thy paths, My steps have not slidden.

Psalms 17:5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 17:5

Hold up my goings in thy paths
Which being spoken by David in his own person, and for himself, shows that he was conscious of his own weakness to keep himself in the ways of God, and to direct his steps therein; and that he was sensible of, the need he stood in of divine power to uphold and support him in them;

[that] my footsteps slip not;
out of the paths of truth and duty, of faith and holiness; of which there is danger, should a man be left to himself, and destitute of divine direction and aid; see ( Psalms 73:2 ) ( Jeremiah 10:23 ) ; and though Christ had no moral weakness in him, and was in no danger of falling into sin, or slipping out of the ways of God; yet these words may be applied to him in a good sense, as considered in human nature, and attended with the sinless infirmities of it, he being God's servant, whom he upheld, and of whom he gave his angels charge to keep him in all his ways, ( Isaiah 42:1 ) ( Psalms 91:11 ) .

Psalms 17:5 In-Context

3 Thou hast proved my heart, Thou hast inspected by night, Thou hast tried me, Thou findest nothing; My thoughts pass not over my mouth.
4 As to doings of man, Through a word of Thy lips I have observed The paths of a destroyer;
5 To uphold my goings in Thy paths, My steps have not slidden.
6 I -- I called Thee, for Thou dost answer me, O God, incline Thine ear to me, hear my speech.
7 Separate wonderfully Thy kindness, O Saviour of the confiding, By Thy right hand, from withstanders.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.