Psalm 17:4

4 As for [the] works of humankind, by the word of your lips, I have kept [from] the ways of [the] violent.

Psalm 17:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 17:4

Concerning the works of men
Of wicked men, as to what respects and concerns them, or in the midst of them; in the midst of a wicked generation of men, and their filthy conversation; who appear to be so,

by the word of thy lips;
the law of God, the Scriptures of truth, the rule and standard of faith and practice, which show what works are good and what are not; by the use, help, and benefit of this;

I have kept [me from] the paths of the destroyer;
such is the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning; antichrist, whose name is Abaddon and Apollyon, both which signify a destroyer; false teachers, and all wicked men: the "paths" of such are their wicked principles and practices, their damnable errors and heresies, their sins and lusts, which make up the broad road that leads to destruction: these the psalmist "kept" or "observed" ^F1, for the words "me" and "from" are not in the original text; and the sense is, that he took notice of them, and avoided them, and, as a faithful prince and magistrate, forbad his subjects walking in them, and restrained them from them, making the word of God the rule of his conduct.

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (ytrmv) "custodivi", Pagninus, Montanus; "observavi", Musculus, Piscator, Cocceius, Gejerus; so Ainsworth; "vel prohibui", Muis.

Psalm 17:4 In-Context

2 Let my vindication come forth from you; let your eyes see fairness.

3 You have tried my heart; you have examined [me] by night; you have tested me; you found nothing. I have decided [that] my mouth will not transgress.

4 As for [the] works of humankind, by the word of your lips, I have kept [from] the ways of [the] violent.

5 [I have] held my steps in your path My feet will not slip.

6 As for me, I have called on you because you will answer me, O God. Incline your ear to me. Hear my words.