Bible Strands
Psalms 17:4
As for the deeds of men—by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David addresses God immediately after describing divine examination, positioning himself in a moment of tested integrity and personal resolve. The words — שָׁ֝מַ֗רְתִּי (Sha.Mar.ti) = I have watched/guarded, paired with אָרְח֥וֹת ('a.re.Chot) = the paths, indicating deliberate preservation of conduct rather than mere avoidance. The thread — The connection between moral preservation and divine instruction runs to Psalms 119:9, which ties the guarding of one's way directly to adherence to God's word. Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to treat God's spoken instruction as the operational boundary for behavior, demanding active vigilance to reject violent or destructive paths during periods of testing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Cross-references
- Psalms 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.
- 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- Matthew 4:7 Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
- Matthew 4:10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
- Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- Revelation 12:11 They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death.
- Psalms 14:1 For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.
- Proverbs 2:10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul.
- Matthew 4:4 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”