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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/17-3.htm" title="Psalm 17:3">◄</a> Psalm 17:4 <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm" title="Psalm 17:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for the deeds of men—by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept <i>me from</i> the paths of the destroyer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for the works of mankind, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />As for the deeds of men, by the word of Thy lips I have kept from the paths of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept away from the paths of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Concerning what people do: by the words from your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Concerning what people do: by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I don't do like others. I obey your teachings and am not cruel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have avoided cruelty because of your word. In spite of what others have done,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />as others do; I have obeyed your command and have not followed paths of violence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As for the ways of mankind, I have, according to the words of your lips, avoided the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for the deeds of men?by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />As for the actions of people--just as you have commanded, I have not followed in the footsteps of violent men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As for the works of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As for the deeds of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As for doings of man, "" Through a word of Your lips I have observed "" The paths of a destroyer;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As to doings of man, Through a word of Thy lips I have observed The paths of a destroyer;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For the works of men, by the word of thy lips I watched the ways of the violent one.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That my mouth may not speak the works of men: for the sake of the words of thy lips, I have kept hard ways. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 16:4>Therefore, may my mouth not speak the works of men. I have kept to difficult ways because of the words of your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />as others often do. As your lips have instructed me, I have kept from the way of the lawless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Through the conversation of my lips thou hast kept me from evil ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But in speech of the lips you have kept me from the ways of evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As for the doings of men, by the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As for the works of men, by the words of thy lips I have guarded <i>myself from</i> hard ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/17-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=1385" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Hear My Righteous Plea</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6468.htm" title="6468: lip̄·‘ul·lō·wṯ (Prep-l:: N-fpc) -- A work, recompense. Feminine passive participle of pa'al; work.">As for the deeds</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of men—</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: biḏ·ḇar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">by the word</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā (N-fdc:: 2ms) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">of Your lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">have avoided</a> <a href="/hebrew/734.htm" title="734: ’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ (N-cpc) -- A way, path. From 'arach; a well-trodden road; also a caravan.">the ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/6530.htm" title="6530: pā·rîṣ (N-ms) -- Violent one. From parats; violent, i.e. A tyrant.">of the violent.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14-15</a></span><br />Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">Proverbs 1:10-15</a></span><br />My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. / If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-11.htm">Job 23:11-12</a></span><br />My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. / I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-101.htm">Psalm 119:101</a></span><br />I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a></span><br />I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11-15</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, / to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, / from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-17</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Matthew 6:13</a></span><br />And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-22.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:22</a></span><br />Abstain from every form of evil.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Concerning the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.</p><p class="hdg">works</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1-3</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>A Psalm</i> of David. The fool hath said in his heart, <i>There is</i> no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, <i>there is</i> none that doeth good… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5,11</a></b></br> And GOD saw that the wickedness of man <i>was</i> great in the earth, and <i>that</i> every imagination of the thoughts of his heart <i>was</i> only evil continually… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-16.htm">Job 15:16</a></b></br> How much more abominable and filthy <i>is</i> man, which drinketh iniquity like water?</p><p class="hdg">word</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9-11</a></b></br> BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed <i>thereto</i> according to thy word… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">Proverbs 2:10-15</a></b></br> When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4,7,10</a></b></br> But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God… </p><p class="hdg">destroyer</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></b></br> Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/9-11.htm">Revelation 9:11</a></b></br> And they had a king over them, <i>which is</i> the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue <i>is</i> Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath <i>his</i> name Apollyon.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/20-10.htm">Avoided</a> <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/job/15-21.htm">Destroyer</a> <a href="/psalms/9-11.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/job/38-23.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/job/24-15.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/psalms/8-8.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/psalms/17-2.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/11-5.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/psalms/10-5.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Word</a> <a href="/psalms/15-2.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">Avoided</a> <a href="/psalms/26-7.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Destroyer</a> <a href="/psalms/22-30.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/21-2.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/psalms/119-55.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/psalms/20-3.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/psalms/18-30.htm">Word</a> <a href="/psalms/26-7.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-10.htm">He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">He prays against them in confidence of his hope</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>As for the deeds of men—</b><br>This phrase introduces a contrast between the actions of humanity and the psalmist's own conduct. In biblical context, "the deeds of men" often refer to the sinful or worldly behaviors that are common among people. The psalmist acknowledges the prevalence of such deeds, which are often characterized by selfishness, violence, and rebellion against God. This acknowledgment sets the stage for the psalmist's declaration of righteousness and reliance on divine guidance.<p><b>by the word of Your lips</b><br>The "word of Your lips" refers to God's commandments and teachings. In the Hebrew Bible, God's word is seen as a guiding force, providing wisdom and direction. This phrase emphasizes the psalmist's commitment to living according to divine instruction rather than human wisdom. The psalmist's reliance on God's word is a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, where God's word is described as a lamp to one's feet and a light to one's path. This reliance on divine guidance is a hallmark of faithfulness and obedience.<p><b>I have avoided the ways of the violent.</b><br>The psalmist claims to have avoided "the ways of the violent," indicating a conscious decision to reject paths of aggression and harm. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, violence was often associated with injustice and oppression, which were contrary to God's desires for His people. The psalmist's avoidance of violence aligns with the biblical call to pursue peace and righteousness. This commitment can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the Prince of Peace (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>) and who taught His followers to turn the other cheek and love their enemies (<a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39, 44</a>). The psalmist's choice to follow God's word and reject violence serves as an example of living a life set apart for God, in contrast to the prevailing culture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of this Psalm, David is expressing his reliance on God's guidance to avoid sinful paths.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The divine source of wisdom and guidance, whose words help David avoid violence.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_violent.htm">The Violent</a></b><br>Represents those who choose paths of aggression and sin, contrasting with the righteous path David seeks.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_word_of_god.htm">The Word of God</a></b><br>Refers to the divine instructions and commandments that guide believers away from sin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_righteousness.htm">The Path of Righteousness</a></b><br>The way of life that aligns with God's will, avoiding sin and violence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>God's word is a powerful tool for guiding our actions and decisions. Just as David relied on it to avoid violence, we too can use Scripture to navigate life's challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_sinful_paths.htm">Avoiding Sinful Paths</a></b><br>Actively choosing to avoid the ways of the violent requires intentionality and reliance on God's guidance. We must be vigilant in our daily walk to stay on the path of righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture_memorization.htm">The Importance of Scripture Memorization</a></b><br>Hiding God's word in our hearts equips us to resist temptation and make godly choices, as demonstrated by David's example.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_counter-culturally.htm">Living Counter-Culturally</a></b><br>In a world that often glorifies violence and aggression, Christians are called to live differently, guided by the peace and wisdom of God's word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_faith.htm">Practical Application of Faith</a></b><br>Our faith should be evident in our actions. Like David, we must apply God's word to our lives, allowing it to shape our decisions and interactions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_caste.htm">What does God perceive with His eyes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_regain_faith_when_distant_from_god.htm">How can you regain faith when feeling distant from God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_spiritual_journey.htm">What defines a spiritual journey?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_god's_land_with_israel's_claim.htm">If the land truly belongs to God (Lev 25:23), how do we reconcile this with later claims of permanent territorial inheritance for Israel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Concerning the works of men</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, <span class= "ital">as regards the actions of men, </span>or <span class= "ital">in ordinary human actions; </span>for the expression comp. <a href="/job/31-33.htm" title="If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom:">Job 31:33</a>; and <a href="/hosea/6-7.htm" title="But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.">Hosea 6:7</a>, where the margin has <span class= "ital">Adam.</span><p><span class= "bld">By the word of thy lips.</span>--Some take this clause closely with the foregoing, and render, "against the word," &c; but the Authorised Version is better. The Divine standard for action, not the human or worldly, influences the writer.<p><span class= "bld">I have kept me.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">I for my part have observed ways of violence. </span>But usage (<a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm" title="That you may walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.">Proverbs 2:20</a>) almost compels us to understand by this, "I have kept ways of violence," which is impossible here. Hence we have either to give the verb the unusual sense "guard against," or suppose an error in the text.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Concerning the works of man</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "with respect to the actions of ordinary life " - here called "the works of Adam" ? <span class="accented">i.e.</span> of the natural man<span class="cmt_word">. By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer</span>. By attending to thy Law, and following it (see <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a>), I have refrained myself from sin, and avoided the wicked courses of the violent (comp. <a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">1 Samuel 24:4-10</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/17-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">As for the deeds</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְעֻלּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·‘ul·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6468.htm">Strong's 6468: </a> </span><span class="str2">A work, recompense</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of men—</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֭דָם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the word</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּדְבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(biḏ·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Your lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפָתֶ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have avoided</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֝מַ֗רְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(mar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ways</span><br /><span class="heb">אָרְח֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_734.htm">Strong's 734: </a> </span><span class="str2">A well-trodden road, a caravan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the violent.</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּרִֽיץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(pā·rîṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6530.htm">Strong's 6530: </a> </span><span class="str2">Violent, a tyrant</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/17-4.htm">Psalm 17:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/17-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 17:4 As for the works of men (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/17-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 17:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/17-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 17:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>