Psalms 17:4

“Concerning the works of men, etc.] Of wicked men, as to what respects and concerns them, or in the midst of them; in the midst of a wicked generation of men, and their filthy conversation; who appear to be so, by the word of thy lips; the law of God, the Scriptures of truth, the rule and standard of faith and practice, which show what works are good and what are not; by the use, help, and benefit of this; I have kept [me from] the paths of the destroyer; such is the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning; antichrist, whose name is Abaddon and Apollyon, both which signify a destroyer; false teachers, and all wicked men: the “paths” of such are their wicked principles and practices,…”

“works of men--sinful practices. by the word of thy lips--as a guide (Psa 119:9, Psa 119:11, Psa 119:95). destroyer--violent man.”

“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…”

“Concerning - Observing the works of the men of this age, how wicked they are, I was resolved to take more care in ordering my own actions. By - By the help of thy blessed word. Paths - The customs and practices. Destroyer - Or, of the violent man: such as Saul, and his courtiers and soldiers. Psalms 17:7”

“works: Psa 14:1-3; Gen 6:5, Gen 6:11; Job 15:16, Job 31:33; Co1 3:3; Pe1 4:2, Pe1 4:3 word: Psa 119:9-11; Pro 2:10-15; Mat 4:4, Mat 4:7, Mat 4:10; Joh 17:17; Eph 6:17; Jam 1:18; Rev 12:11 destroyer: Pe1 5:8; Rev 9:11 \*marg. Psalms 17:5”