Psalms 17:11

"They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly."

Key Reflection

This verse reveals a stark contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. Those described have hardened their hearts, making them unresponsive to truth or God's will, yet they boldly proclaim their own righteousness and superiority, masking their true condition with words of arrogance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They have now compassed us -Myself, and those who are associated with me. It would seem from this that the psalmist was not alone. It is to be observed, however, that there is a difference of reading in the Hebrew text. The Masoretic reading is: “us;” the Hebrew text is “me,” though in the other expression the plural is used - “our steps.” There is no impropriety in supposing that the psalmist refers to his followers, associates, or friends, meaning that the wrong was done not to him alone, but to others connected with him. The meaning of “compassed” is, that they “surrounded” him on every side. Wherever he went, they were there. In our steps -Wherever we go.

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