Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 17:4

4. Concerning the works of men , by the word of thy lips , I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer .

Concerning my care and Caution about my Words, I have now spoken, v. 3. now I may say the like concerning my works. As for the works which men generally Practise. Or, Because of (as the prefix, Lamed is oft used, as Gen. 2. 23. Numb. 16. 34. Jer. 4. 31. and 22. 10. and 23. 9.) The works of men. So the Sence may be this, Observing and considering the quality of the Works of the men of this Age, with whom I converse, or of all mankind, some few excepted, considering, I say, how wicked and unreasonable and pernicious they are, not only to others, but also to themselves; I was resolved to take more care in the ordering of my own Actions.

(i. e.) By the help of thy blessed Word and the excellent Rules, Promises and Threatnings thereof, which by deep and frequent Meditation I have hid and fixed in mine Heart, as the best An[illegible: 1+ letters]idore against sin and temptation, Psal. 119. 9. 11.

So the same Verb is used with the like Supplement, Ios. 6. 18. which also is in a manner included in the Verb. Or, I have observed, To wit, so as to avoid them.

Or, ways, (i. e.) The Customs and Practices, or the imitation of them; as may be gathered from the next Verse, where he prays to be kept in God's paths, which are oppossed to these Paths.

Or, of the violent Man: Such as Saul and his Courtiers and Soldiers have shewed themselves towards me. Although their rage and violence against me, might have tempted me to have repayed them in their own Coyn, yet I forbore it, and spared both others, and Saul himself when his Life was at my Mercy, 1 Sam. 24. and 26. and this I did in Obedience to thy Word, which required me to Honour and preserve the Lords anointed.