Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 17:1-7

"Hear the right, O Jehovah, attend unto my cry; Give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; Let thine eyes look upon equity. Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast visited me in the night; Thou hast tried me, and findest nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to thy paths, My feet have not slipped. I have called upon thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God: Incline thine ear unto me, [and] hear my speech. Show thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them that take refuge [in thee ]From those that rise up [against them]." — Psalms 17:1-7 (ASV)

This psalm is a prayer. Insincere prayers are fruitless; but if our hearts lead our prayers, God will meet them with His favor. The psalmist was accustomed to pray, so it was not his distress and danger that only now brought him to his duty. And he was encouraged by his faith to expect God would notice his prayers.

Constant resolution and watchfulness against sins of the tongue will be good evidence of our integrity. Aware of humanity's propensity for wicked works, and of his own particular temptations, David had made God's word his protection from the paths of Satan, which lead to destruction.

If we carefully avoid the paths of sin, it will be a great comfort upon reflection when we are in trouble. Those who are, through grace, going in God's paths should pray that their steps may be upheld in those paths. David prays, "Lord, still hold me up."

Those who wish to proceed and persevere in the ways of God must, by faith and prayer, obtain daily fresh supplies of grace and strength from Him. Show Your marvelous loving-kindness—distinguishing favors, not common mercies—but be gracious to me; do as You are accustomed to do for those who love Your name.