Psalms 17:4

As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips

I have shunned the paths of the violent.

In regard to his behaviour as a man among men, he has obeyed the Divine precepts, and marked and shunned the ways of violent men, avoiding their example and society. God's commandments have been his preservation, supplying the rule and the strength for his conduct. -The paths of the violent" are the opposite of the -path of life," Psalms 16:11. (Proverbs 1:19; Proverbs 2:11-19, &c.). Robbery with violence is mentioned as the commonest form of wrong doing to neighbours (Jeremiah 7:11; Ezekiel 18:10). For illustration of the verse from David's life see 1 Samuel 25:32 ff; 1 Samuel 24:10 ff.; cp. Psalms 7:3 ff.

The P.B.V., Because of men's works, that are done against the words of thy lips, is untenable.