Psalm 17:4
“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 17Meaning
Regarding human violence, the speaker says God’s word has kept him from destructive paths; Scripture here restrains participation in violence rather than authorizing it.
Read carefully
Regarding human violence, the speaker says God’s word has kept him from destructive paths; Scripture here restrains participation in violence rather than authorizing it. 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.