Psalm 17:14
“From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 17Meaning
The difficult language about “men of the world” whose portion is in this life contrasts temporal satisfaction with deeper hope in God; translation details vary, and the verse does not condemn children, inheritance, wealth itself, or ordinary provision for a family.
Read carefully
The difficult language about “men of the world” whose portion is in this life contrasts temporal satisfaction with deeper hope in God; translation details vary, and the verse does not condemn children, inheritance, wealth itself, or ordinary provision for a family. Keep the verse inside its literary unit.
Reflection
Use this verse to bring truthful lament and dependence before God without turning the psalm’s courtroom or combat imagery into self-righteousness, retaliation, or harm.