Psalm 17:4

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

Psalm 17:4 in Other Translations

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

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

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

4 I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way.

4 As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.

4 I have avoided cruelty because of your word. In spite of what others have done,

4 Concerning what people do: by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

4 I don't do the things other people do. By obeying your word I have kept myself from acting like those who try to hurt others.

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 from you; may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.

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

5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.