Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible (Commentary on Psalm 17:4)
Concerning the works of men – In respect to the works or doings of men. The reference is here probably to the ordinary or common doings of mankind, or to what generally characterizes the conduct of men. As their conduct is so commonly, and so characteristically wicked, wickedness may be spoken of as their “work,” and it is to this doubtless that the psalmist refers. In respect to the sinful courses or “paths” to which men are so prone, he says that he had kept himself from them. This is in accordance with what he says in the previous verse, that he had given no occasion by his conduct for the treatment which he had received at the hands of his enemies.
By the word of thy lips – Not by his own strength; not by any power which he himself had, but by the commands and promises of God – by what had proceeded from his mouth. The reference is doubtless to all that God had spoken: to the law which prescribed his duty, and to the promises which God had given to enable him to walk in the path of uprightness. He had relied on the word of God as inculcating duty; he had submitted to it as authority; he had found encouragement in it in endeavoring to do right.
I have kept me – I have preserved myself. I have so guarded my conduct that I have not fallen into the sins which are so common among men.
The paths of the destroyer – The paths which the “destroyer” treads; the course of life which such men lead. The idea is, not that he had been able to save himself from violence at their hands, but that he had been enabled to avoid their mode of life. The word rendered “destroyer” is from a verb which means “to break, to rend, to scatter,” and would properly refer to acts of violence and lawlessness. He had kept himself from the modes of life of the violent and the lawless; that is, he had been enabled to lead a peaceful and quiet lift. He had given no occasion to his enemies to treat him as a violent, a lawless, a wicked man.
I was thinking about all the verses God gave me to memorize and apply to my life while living in Oregon. Those scriptures were chosen so I could learn how to come away from the paths Satan wanted me to walk down so I would be destroyed. There is nothing like the path God has for us that makes us into the image of Christ. His path for us is so liberating, peaceful, restful, loving and joyful.
Protect yourself. Live Free…No one can do it for you. Keep yourself from the paths of the destroyer. Know and live the Word. Become like Jesus.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.