A Judge with Complete Clarity

Psalm 17:1-7

“Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry.  Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips.  Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.  Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.  Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.  I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.  Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.”

David is bringing his case before the only judge that has complete clarity, which can look beyond the act and see into the heart, and he is fully aware of this fact.  He knows the Judge has looked into his heart and would know if he was deceitful, and David also understood this is the only one that can vindicate him.

So unlike many who go by the name of Christ, David was asking God to examine his thoughts and heart and to see if he passed the test.  He unlike many in the church was not going to allow the culture or power to turn him from integrity with both God and man. 

David is not asking for the witness of men, for he is aware that only God can verify and declare him innocent.  To the best of his understanding David has not broken a command nor left the path God has put him on.

David’s hope is in the Lord, and he has no need of being politically correct, he is not fearful of losing power for David understands whose authority he is under.  So he does what a wise man would do, he praises God for His love and faithfulness.

I’m so thankful that I am revisiting the Psalm, not reading them to check off I read a Psalm and a Proverb, but to ask the Lord to open my eyes to see if I’m walking in integrity before God and man.  It is so important to study to show yourself a workman that need not be ashamed, that rightly handles the Word of God.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice